Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has transferred the vessels needed to launch the Raajje Transport Link (RTL) high-speed ferry service in Gaafu Alifu Atoll and Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll.
MTCC is preparing to launch the RTL ferry service in Gaafu Alifu Atoll and Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll on July 13. The state-owned company stated that it will allow passengers to use the ferries free-of-charge until July 20, in order to familiarise them with the service. The company is currently training 80 employees to operate the ferries in the atolls.
MTCC has transferred six new ferries to Gaafu Alifu Atoll and Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll and plans to transfer four more in the near future. The new ferries have more space compared to the other vessels and a 50-person passenger capacity with enough space for wheelchairs and stretchers. The company has conducted awareness programmes on the RTL ferry service on various islands in both atolls since June 15 in order to educate the public, employees, councils, and various government institutions.
The RTL high-speed ferry service currently connects 41 islands in Haa Alifu Atoll, Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Shaviyani Atoll, and Lhaviyani Atoll. The National Public Ferry Network provided via RTL is a large-scale project that introduces efficient, affordable, and convenient passenger and cargo ferry services to all administrative islands of the country. The government aims to connect all islands using the ferry network by the end of 2023.