Travel

New Raajje Transport Link by MTCC Connects Male’ to Remote Atolls: A Leap in Island Mobility

Free Maldives Today

Malé, Maldives – July 2025
The Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has significantly expanded its Raajje Transport Link (RTL) network, now offering modern ferry and bus services across an increasing number of atolls—from the Greater Male’ area to distant northern and southern regions.

From Male’ to Hulhumalé and Beyond

Within the bustling Greater Male’ region, MTCC’s RTL buses and ferries serve key routes such as Malé–Villimale’, Malé–Hulhumalé, Malé–Thilafushi, and Malé–Gulhifalhu, with ticketing managed via mobile app, QR codes, and contactless cards.   Buses connect seamlessly across the Sinamale’ and Hulhumalé causeways, offering affordable and easy island transit

High-Speed Ferries Reaching Farther Afield

MTCC has rolled out RTL high-speed ferries to ten atolls, including:

  • Northern atolls: Haa Alif, Haa Dhaalu, Shaviyani, and Noonu (with 41 islands served, e.g., Velidhoo, Fodhdhoo, Holhudhoo, Magoodhoo, Manadhoo)

  • Central/central-south atolls: Raa Atoll (operations from June 26, 2025)

  • Southern atolls: Gnaviyani and Gaafu Dhaalu during 2023 pilot, with Seenu Atoll service connecting by August 2023

Vision of Nationwide Inter-Island Connectivity

As part of the government’s Integrated National Public Ferry Network (INPFN) plan, MTCC envisions RTL reaching all 26 atolls via:

  • Phase One: Northern atolls;

  • Phase Two: Next cluster including Noonu, Raa, Baa, and Lhaviyani;

  • Phase Three: Kaafu, Alif-Alif, Alif-Dhaalu, Vaavu, Meemu, Faafu, Dhaalu, Thaa, and Laamu

Route Structure and Booking

RTL routes include:

  • Fixed- and distance-fare bus routes in Greater Male’ and regional cities, payable via MasterCard/Visa

  • Ferry lines linking inhabited islands within atolls (e.g. Haa Dhaalu) with standardized ticket prices (MVR 30–100 one-way; return fares double)

  • All bookings are managed via the RTL Travel app or website, supporting up to 10 tickets per transaction and offering QR-code ticketing with validation onboard.

Community Impact

Free trial services have boosted ridership and economic activity in serviced atolls. In Raa Atoll, ferries were free from June 26 to July 2, 2025 .  In northern atolls, daily high-speed ferry ridership trebled from ~300 to 800–1,000 passengers per day.

What’s Next?

MTCC plans to:

  • Extend high-speed ferry services to Baa Atoll by end-July 2025

  • Continue rolling out RTL across central and southern atolls to ensure nationwide connectivity by end-2025 per presidential vision.

MTCC’s RTL initiative is reshaping mobility in the Maldives. From local bus services in Greater Male’ to high-speed ferry links in distant atolls, the network is steadily knitting together a historically scattered archipelago. As routes continue to grow and integrate, RTL stands to become the backbone of national transport, enhancing connectivity, economic opportunity, and access to essential services across the nation.