Gov’t Transfers Management of 21 Northern Ferry Stops to Local Councils

The Ministry of Cities, Local Government and Public Works has assumed control of 21 ferry stops in the northern region, which will be allocated to the respective local councils for management.

These ferry stops are part of the Raajje Transport Link (RTL), a nationwide public transportation network integrating ferries and buses. The handover agreement was signed between the Ministry of Cities, Local Government and Public Works, the RTL operator Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), and the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation.

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Under the agreement, the ferry stops in Zone 1, which includes islands in Haa Alifu Atoll, Haa Dhaalu Atoll, and Shaviyani Atoll, have been transferred to the Ministry of Cities, Local Government and Public Works. These facilities will now be managed by the relevant island councils.

According to the Ministry of Administrative Affairs, commercial spaces at these ferry stops will also be handed over to the councils, providing them with an opportunity to generate revenue.

MTCC has been tasked with linking islands across the country through transportation services, with operations structured into six primary zones. RTL currently connects 81 islands across nine atolls through its ferry network.

The government plans to expand RTL services to Raa and Baa Atolls by July this year.