Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has successfully launched Raajje Transport Link (RTL) services in Huvadhu Atoll.
MTCC's CEO Adam Azim inaugurated the RTL ferry service in the atoll at a special ceremony held in GDh. today. The ceremony was also attended by Thinadhoo Council officials. Ferry services will be free of charge in Huvadhu Atoll until July 20.
While the RTL ferry service was initially introduced by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's government on May 5, 2022, it officially commenced operations on June 12. Presently, the ferry services are available in HA, HDh, Sh, and Lh Atolls, with the government aiming to connect all the islands of the Maldives before the year's end.
Under efforts to expand ferry services, MTCC has contracted Al Shali Marine Maldives Pvt Ltd to build 65 additional ferries. The contract was awarded to the company last September for MVR 537 million.
The national ferry system connects islands across the Maldives by commute link, non-commute link, and highway link.
Commute links are daily trips between nearby islands, while non-commute links are journeys between two islands that are a bit farther apart in distance. This includes non-daily airport trips and business trips. Highway links are long journeys that connect the transport hub of one region to the transport hub of another.
The division of zones under RTL:
Zone One: Ha. | HDh. | Sh.
Zone Two: N. | R. | B. | Lh.
Zone Three: K. | Aa. | ADh. | V.
Zone Four: M. | F. | Dh. | Th. | L.
Zone Five: Ga. | GDh.
Zone Six: Fuvahmulah | Addu City
MTCC has introduced an online booking and payment portal through the RTL application, enabling convenient access to tickets within the national ferry system. Furthermore, children under three years of age and individuals with disabilities can enjoy complimentary rides on the ferries.
MTCC's fleet of high-speed ferries, employed in the RTL system, offers a comfortable and accommodating experience for passengers. Equipped with amenities such as mobile phone charging outlets, toilets, and ample luggage space, the ferries have also been specially designed to cater to the needs of individuals with disabilities.
