RTL ferry will connect southernmost 4 atolls by year-end: Pres

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih announced on Monday that four southernmost atolls will be connected via Raajje Transport Link (RTL) nationwide ferry service by the end of this year.

The president made the remarks in his presidential address after the opening of the parliament this year.

Highlighting the issues of the transport system, he said in his presidential address that it was important to have a "strong transport" system as economic activity was booming. He noted that the RTL ferry service started by the government through MTCC has become a successful system.

"Today, all the islands of Faadhippolhu, including Baduthiladhunmathi, are being linked every day, every day, by the RTL system. By the end of this year, Huvadhu Atoll, Fuvahmulah and Addu will be connected through this RTL system," he said.

President Solih, who recently won MDP's presidential ticket to run for a second term in office, said that all the islands of the Maldives will be connected through the RTL system. He also noted that the RTL mini-bus service has been started in Male area and major islands.

"The economic engine that runs throughout the country is the transportation system that connects one island with the other, one atoll with the other," he said.

RTL services are now being provided: