New Public Ferry Service connects the Maldives southernmost atolls
Maldives Travel and Local Information Guide
![Raajje Transport Link (RTL) ferry service](../pictures/new-public-ferry-service-connects-the-maldives-southernmost-atolls.jpg)
21 August, 2023
The Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has taken a significant step towards enhancing connectivity and promoting economic growth in the southernmost atolls of the Maldives with the launch of the Raajje Transport Link (RTL) ferry service. The service, which was inaugurated on August 18, 2023, establishes vital transportation routes between Gnaviyani Atoll and Seenu Atoll, facilitating seamless travel within these regions.
The newly introduced RTL ferry service operates along two novel routes, effectively creating a highway link between Zone 6 (Gnaviyani and Seenu Atolls) and Zone 5 (South and North Huvadhu Atoll). This connectivity offers citizens a convenient means of travel for various purposes, serving as a catalyst for economic activities spanning multiple atolls.
To foster awareness and familiarity with the RTL ferry service, MTCC has announced a one-week trial period during which travel on the new routes will be free of charge. This approach aims to encourage residents to embrace and experience the benefits of the new transportation network firsthand.
Following the trial period, starting from August 25, 2023, travelers will be able to purchase tickets for travel on the RTL ferry service. The service will be available seven days a week, providing consistent and reliable transportation options for citizens across these atolls. The ferry schedules will be easily accessible through the RTL travel app and the official RTL website.
MTCC’s launch of the RTL ferry service is in line with the Integrated National Public Ferry Network, a comprehensive plan designed to establish efficient ferry connections throughout the Maldives. This network, aligned with the National Special Plan (2020-2040), encompasses both passenger and freight ferries, connecting islands across six regions.
As the RTL ferry service continues to roll out in all six regions, the plan envisions the deployment of 82 speed boats, with a network spanning 188 ferry terminals.
The RTL initiative stands as a testament to the government’s commitment to enhancing nationwide connectivity and fostering economic growth across the Maldives. By establishing dependable transportation infrastructure, the country is poised to unlock new opportunities for both citizens and businesses.
Related stories
Maldives General Information
![Luxury over-water villa in maldives](https://maldives-magazine.com/pictures/gili-maldives-reserve.avif)
'Luxury isolation' is the term to best describe the Maldives. The sheer beauty of the coral reefs, the translucent ever-changing colors of the Indian Ocean, the isolation, indigenous vegetation and friendly people are legendary, and rightly so—the Maldives lives up to the hype. The epitomy of a sea, sand and sun holiday, visitors lap up the tropical island paradise image. But it's best to be well informed of your destination before winging off into the unknown so have a read through our detaled guide to the Maldives to make sure you know exactly what is waiting for you in this lovely part of the world.
Read More![what is better: beach or overwater](https://maldives-magazine.com/pictures/beach-or-water-villa-to-stay-maldives.avif)
Beach or Water Villa?
Maldives - a name that became synonymous with honeymooners' paradise in the tourism world, has slowly revamped to cater to the needs of families visiting
Read More![Maldives Resort Offers & Packages](https://maldives-magazine.com/pictures/resort-hot-deals.avif)
Best Maldives Resort Offers & Packages
Find out more about the most unparalleled Maldives hotel deals and special rates, when Book Direct your next beach holiday
Read More![Best Resorts for Vegetarians](https://maldives-magazine.com/pictures/maldivy-oteli-otzyvy.avif)
Maldives Hotel Reviews
Some of the best hotels and resorts in the Maldives are already included in this list, and the good part of them offers the best prices. We will constantly add new hotels
Read More![10 Exclusive Resorts in Maldives](https://maldives-magazine.com/pictures/sonevajani-water-villas.avif)
10 Exclusive Resorts in Maldives
The Maldives is paradise destination that should be on the bucket list of every discerning travelers. There's a special breed of hotels there that cater to the most tasteful of luxury travelers Read More
![water pool villas, male](https://maldives-magazine.com/pictures/maldives-new-resorts-20222_s.jpg)
Newest Maldives resorts to Explore in 2024
Here are just 10 of the amazing new resorts in the Maldives that are set to welcome guests Read More
![10 Cheapest Water Villa Resorts in Maldives](https://maldives-magazine.com/pictures/cheap-water-villa-in-maldives.avif)
10 Most Affordable Water Villas
While it may never be cheap to visit thу Maldives, fortunately there are still some chic and relatively affordable overwater villas you can stay. Read more
![luxury privaye villa](https://maldives-magazine.com/pictures/maldives-luxury-holiday-guide-5.avif)
Maldives Luxury Guide
Here's the best of Maldives for luxury travellers. We've compiled the finest recommendations of places to stay, ranging from the most celebrated five-star resorts to luxurious private islands Read More
![honeymoon](https://maldives-magazine.com/pictures/Coco-Bodu-Hithi-honeymoon.avif)
Maldives Romantic Guide
The ultimate ‘flop and drop' and honeymoon destination, the Maldives is the playground for the most amazing and finest utilization of each second of this extremely valuable and hopeful time with each other in tota Read More
![maldives on the cheap](https://maldives-magazine.com/pictures/maldivy-deshevo-v-ray.avif)
Maldives Budget Guide
Budget travellers choose Maldives as their destination of choice thanks to the variety of affordable stays Read More
![family holiday](https://maldives-magazine.com/pictures/maldives-family-guide-5.avif)
Maldives Family Guide
Maldives - a name that became synonymous with honeymooners' paradise in the tourism world, has slowly Read More
![scuba diving in the maldives ultimate guide](https://maldives-magazine.com/pictures/first-time-diving-in-maldives.avif)
Maldives Diving Guide
The life of these paradise islands below the Indian Ocean's level is the main draw attracting thousands of divers Read More