RTL Ferry Service Launched in Laamu Atoll

The Raajje Transport Link (RTL) ferry service was launched in Laamu atoll yesterday, expanding the public transport network to 15 atolls.

The service was inaugurated in L. Fonadhoo by Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim. The ceremony was attended by the Indian Deputy High Commissioner to the Maldives Kumar Gaurav, MPs representing Laamu constituencies, island council leaders, and senior officials from Maldives Transport and Contracting Company Limited, including Chairman Mohamed Afeef Hussain and Deputy Managing Director Mohamed Jamsheed.

Under the RTL rollout policy, residents of Laamu atoll will be able to travel free for one week as part of familiarisation trips, running from Wednesday to the following Tuesday, after which ticketed services will commence.

The Ministry of Transport stated that Laamu’s inclusion increases the total number of atolls with operational RTL services to 15. Launched in 2022, the project aims to divide the Maldives into six transport zones and connect all inhabited islands through scheduled ferry routes.

RTL services have yet to begin in Meemu, Kaafu, Alifu Alifu, Alifu Dhaalu, and Vaavu atolls, with the government noting that work is ongoing to extend the network to remaining regions.

In some atolls where the service has already been introduced, the number of cancelled ferry trips has reportedly risen, raising concerns over operational consistency.

MTCC confirmed that Laamu atoll will be served by two routes and encouraged residents to take advantage of the free trial period.