India has provided a grant of MVR 100 million to the Maldives for constructing ferries to expand the nation's sea transport system, operated by Raajje Transport Link (RTL).
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for this grant was signed by India and the Maldives on May 18, specifically for the expansion of the RTL ferry service.
From the ceremony held to sign the MoU between Maldives and India, to provide MVR 100 million in grant for RTL ferry services. (Photo/ Transport Ministry_
Deputy Minister of Transport Ibrahim Yasir stated on the state media program 'Rajje Miadhu' that the Maldives has received the MVR 100 million as "free assistance" for the development of RTL ferries.
According to Yasir, the aid will facilitate the construction of 12 new ferries and the establishment of one ferry hub at R. Ungoofaaru. Equipment for the ferry hub is currently being prepared for transport to the island.
Yasir also noted that ferries for the RTL service are presently under construction, including vessels intended for backup use. The main ferry terminals for RTL services are the primary terminals serving the atolls within each designated zone.
The RTL service was initially launched by the previous Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) government through the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) with the goal of connecting the entire country via a ferry system. By the conclusion of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's administration, the service had been extended to eight atolls, with four additional atolls having received the service since then.
The service is structured into six areas across three phases, aiming to provide affordable and convenient sea transportation to the public. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has set a target to launch the service in all zones by the end of the current year.
In recent developments, RTL has faced criticism regarding a change to its logo. Following an MTCC social media post announcing the launch of the RTL ferry service in Baa atoll, the logo on the ferry appeared to have been replaced with a gray version, differing from its previous yellow color.
The reasons behind this logo change have not yet been clarified, and no official announcement regarding the alteration has been made. MTCC has not responded to inquiries on the matter.