The government has extended its national high-speed ferry network to Baa Atoll, marking a significant advancement in President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s infrastructure programme and fulfilling a key commitment to strengthen inter-island connectivity. The Raajje Transport Link (RTL) service, now operational in its eleventh atoll, is expected to provide affordable and reliable transportation for more than 12,000 residents across 13 inhabited islands.
This latest expansion is part of a broader initiative aimed at unifying the country’s geographically dispersed communities through a modern maritime transport system. President Muizzu had pledged to initiate service in Baa Atoll by the end of July, a deadline now met with the commencement of operations.
To prepare for the launch, the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), which is overseeing the RTL project under government directive, carried out a series of operational measures. These included recruiting and training personnel to ensure the service could begin without delay.
The network in Baa Atoll will operate along two designated routes, supported by a fleet of two high-speed ferries assigned specifically to the region. The routes have been designed to prioritise access to the atoll’s capital, improving links to airport services and other essential public amenities.
During its first week, the RTL service will run familiarisation trips free of charge. Each journey will include a structured seating allocation for the islands served, allowing residents to experience the system before regular fares are introduced. Fare collection is scheduled to begin on 4 August, with route and pricing details available through the official RTL mobile application and website.
The national rollout of the RTL network is being carried out in phases, with the country divided into six geographic zones to support systematic implementation. The most recent expansion prior to Baa Atoll took place in Raa Atoll, where services began on 26 June. President Muizzu had previously announced that operations in Raa would commence by the end of June, followed by Baa in July, both targets now achieved.
Looking ahead, the president has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to extending the RTL service to all remaining atolls before the end of the calendar year. He noted that all requisite work is actively underway, underscoring the government’s emphasis on equitable infrastructure development and national integration.