The Ministry of Transport is preparing to begin necessary studies to launch Raajje Transport Link (RTL) services in five additional atolls.

The Ministry said yesterday that they have consulted with the Japan International Cooperation Assistance (JICA) to begin studies required to start services in Zone 4 as part of the project to expand RTL ferry services. The five atolls in Zone 4 are M, F, Dh, Th, and L atolls.

In this consultative meeting, JICA shared information about the baseline survey they plan to conduct. The Transport Ministry said that the studies for launching the service in these five additional atolls will begin this month.

RTL services were first launched in May 2022. The service initially started in Zone 6, which includes HDh. atoll.

This year, ferry services have also been launched in Zone 2, which includes Lh, N, R, and B atolls. In the future, work will also be carried out to connect the four atolls in Zone 4 through the RTL ferry system.

RTL ferry services are operated by Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC). The RTL ferry project is a national transportation project that divides the Maldives' atolls into six zones, implemented in three phases across the country.