The government of India has provided a grant of MVR 100 million to support the development of ferries for the Maldives’ Raajje Transport Link (RTL) service, according to the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation.

Speaking to state media, Deputy Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Ibrahim Yasir said the grant will be used to develop 12 ferries and one zone-level ferry terminal, as part of efforts to expand the RTL network across the country.

Yasir added that work is already underway to commission the development of additional ferries, with four vessels currently being built to serve as backup ferries. The project aims to extend coverage to more atolls as part of the national plan to establish an affordable high-speed ferry service.

As part of the initiative, a key terminal hub will also be developed in Ungoofaaru, the main ferry terminal for Zone 2. Yasir noted that the equipment needed for the terminal has already begun arriving, and the facility is expected to be operational soon. The zone terminals will function as central hubs serving all atolls and islands within their respective zones.

According to the Ministry, the terminals will include spacious waiting areas, shops, and restrooms to ensure convenience and comfort for passengers.

The RTL project divides the Maldives into six geographic zones and aims to connect inhabited islands through a reliable and affordable ferry system. Most recently, the service was launched in Baa Atoll, with RTL ferries now operating across all four atolls in Zone 2 – Lhaviyani, Noonu, Raa and Baa – bringing the total number of covered atolls to 11.