RTL ferry service to be launched in Baa Atoll next week
According to the ministry, final preparations are ongoing for the launch.
The Ministry of Transport has announced that the Raajje Transport Link (RTL) ferry service will officially commence operations in Baa Atoll on Monday.
According to the ministry, final preparations are ongoing for the launch. During the initial week, ferry services will be free of charge to allow residents to familiarise themselves with the operations. Free travel will be available from Monday until 3rd of next month. Ticket sales will begin on 4th of next month.
Passengers wishing to purchase tickets will be able to do so via the RTL website and mobile application from 1st of next month.
The launch in Baa Atoll marks the completion of RTL services across all four atolls in Zone 2. Services have already been introduced in Lhaviyani, Noonu, and Raa atolls.
“The four atolls in Zone 2 will also be connected in the future,” the ministry said in a statement.
With this development, RTL ferry services are now active in 11 atolls across the Maldives.
Initially launched during the administration of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, the RTL service was intended to establish a high-speed inter-island ferry network across the Maldives. The current administration has continued the project and expanded its reach.
In May this year, the government secured MVR 100 million from India to support the nationwide expansion of the RTL service. India had also provided funding for the project during the previous administration.
