President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has announced that the Raajje Transport Link (RTL) service will be expanded nationwide before the end of August.

Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, the President said the Government is working to complete the rollout of the ferry network as part of its key transport priorities.

The RTL service was first introduced in 2022 to improve inter-island connectivity and provide reliable public ferry transport across the Maldives. So far, the service has been launched in 15 atolls, covering 145 islands.

President Dr Muizzu described RTL as an essential service and noted that only around four regions remain without access to the network. He explained that one of the main challenges in completing the expansion has been delays in payments to the companies involved in the project.

He said the work could progress more quickly if payments were made on time and added that the Government is currently focused on launching services in the remaining atolls, while also providing additional backup vessels for areas where RTL is already in operation.

RTL services have yet to begin in Meemu, Kaafu, Alifu Alifu, Alifu Dhaalu, and Vaavu Atolls.