President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s second year in office has seen significant progress in the Maldives’ nationwide public transport transformation, with the Administration accelerating efforts to establish an accessible, affordable, and fully connected inter-island ferry network.

During his Presidential Address 2025, President Dr Muizzu stressed that inter-island transport is a basic national necessity shaped by geography, not a luxury. Acting on this commitment, the Government has expanded the Raajje Transport Link (RTL) network at an unprecedented pace, offering reliable services that replace costly air travel and convert overnight sea journeys into trips lasting only a few hours.

Network expansion has continued steadily. Noonu Atoll was brought under RTL services in 2024, followed by new routes to Raa, Baa, and Thaa Atolls in 2025. With Thaa Atoll now added, the network provides coverage across 12 atolls. The initiative has also benefitted from international cooperation, including a MVR 100 million grant from India for ferry development.

In support of decentralisation, ferry terminal management is being gradually handed over to local councils so that island communities can play a direct role in operating and maintaining key transport facilities.

The RTL system is being developed in six zones. So far, services are fully operational in Zone One (Haa Alifu, Haa Dhaalu, Shaviyani), Zone Two (Noonu, Raa, Baa, Lhaviyani), Zone Five (Gaafu Alifu, Gaafu Dhaalu), and Zone Six (Fuvahmulah, Addu City). Work is ongoing in Zone Three (Kaafu, Alifu Alifu, Alifu Dhaalu, Vaavu), while discussions with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) are underway for a baseline study for Zone Four (Meemu, Faafu, Dhaalu, Thaa, Laamu).

Additionally, the Government has announced plans to offer free RTL ferry services for patients travelling to seek treatment for major or chronic illnesses, ensuring equal access to healthcare services regardless of geographical location.

Marking the Administration’s second year, the RTL network is already reducing travel barriers and reshaping national cohesion, economic participation, and public service access. What was once a long-held national aspiration is now steadily becoming an enduring reality for Maldivians across the country.