RTL high-speed ferry service launched in Raa Atoll today

Maldives Transport and Contracting Company’s (MTCC) "Raajje Transport Link" (RTL) high-speed ferry service has officially been launched in Raa Atoll.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu in a post on X, said that the service had commenced before the end of this month, fulfilling a promise he had made.

“I would like to congratulate all the people of Raa Atoll on the occasion of the launch of this service,” he said.

The President added that RTL services would begin in Baa Atoll before the end of July, noting that final preparations are currently under way. He reiterated the government’s goal to introduce RTL ferry services in every atoll of Maldives before the end of this year.

According to the Ministry of Transport, RTL ferry network will be available free of charge in Raa Atoll from today until 2 July, after which passengers will need to purchase tickets. Tickets will be available through the RTL website and mobile app.

RTL service is already operational in Zone 2, which includes Lhaviyani and Noonu atolls. Raa atoll also falls within this zone.

With the addition of Raa atoll, the number of atolls covered by the RTL network will rise to 10.

The government awarded the contract to the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) to operate the service. The project is being implemented in three phases across six zones.

The project costs MVR 800 million.

The Indian government last month signed an agreement to provide a grant of MVR 100 million to expand the RTL service. The funding will be used to construct 12 additional high-speed ferries.

Currently, 81 islands across nine northern and southern atolls are connected via 10 Al Shaali and 17 Gulf Craft high-speed ferries.

The RTL service will also be launched in Zone Four (Meemu, Faafu, Dhaalu, and Thaa atolls) and Zone Five (Malé Atoll, Alif Alif, Alif Dhaalu, and Vaavu atolls) later this year. Upon completion, the national ferry network will comprise a fleet of 80 high-speed vessels, connecting communities across the Maldives.