Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has begun familiarisation trips for the Raajje Transport Link (RTL) service in Gaafu Alifu Atoll and Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll.
Gaafu Alifu Atoll and Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll consist of 18 inhabited islands with a population of over 22,000. MTCC has brought in six ferries to launch the RTL ferry service in the region and has begun familiarisation trips along nine routes. The first ferry passengers were given a warm welcome in Thinadhoo, Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll, with Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MTCC Adam Azim and council members in attendance. The passengers described the ferry service as comfortable and said the service would be a great opportunity to expand the tourism sector in the region.
Speaking at the welcoming ceremony, Azim said the MTCC team is ready to provide ferry services in Huvadhoo Atollthat over 80 employees have been trained to provide the ferry service in the region. Meanwhile, President of the Thinadhoo Island Council Saud Ali said that Thinadhoo hosts many facilities in the region and individuals travel to the island daily. He, therefore, said that the faster transportation provided by the ferry service will be a convenience to residents and visitors and that the economy of the island will see a positive development.
The RTL high-speed ferry service currently connects 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.