Efforts to strengthen inter-island connectivity in the Maldives are moving forward with renewed momentum as the government prepares to mobilise a USD 6.48 million grant from the Government of India. This initiative will significantly expand the national public ferry network, improve maritime transportation infrastructure, and uplift community living standards across several atolls.
The funding was secured under the High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP) Phase III, a bilateral grant assistance scheme signed in May between the Maldives and India. Thirteen Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were formalised under this agreement, with all projects funded through the grant. The primary focus of this phase is to develop ferry services and infrastructure to enhance inter-island and inter-atoll travel and support community development.
According to Deputy Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Mr. Ibrahim Yasir, preparations are already in progress to operationalise the grant. As part of the initiative, 12 new ferries will be constructed along with one ferry zone terminal. Of the ferries under development, four are already being built to serve as backup vessels within the existing ferry system, with additional vessels expected to follow. These ferries are designed to serve smaller inhabited islands and provide seamless integration within regional hubs.
In addition to vessel construction, the project includes the development of essential terminal infrastructure. The main ferry terminal for Zone 2 and a dedicated ferry hub in Ungoofaaru, located in Raa Atoll, are slated for construction under the same grant. These terminal facilities will serve as central access points for passenger movement across the zones, enabling better scheduling and improved accessibility to remote communities.
Zone-based ferry terminals serve as logistical hubs for all islands within their designated geographic regions. The mobilisation of infrastructure work for the Ungoofaaru terminal has already commenced, indicating the government’s commitment to timely implementation.
The Raajje Transport Link (RTL), the government’s flagship ferry service, is a key component of this expansion. Currently operational in its eleventh atoll, RTL offers affordable and reliable ferry services to over 12,000 residents across 13 inhabited islands. The system is being systematically rolled out across six regional zones to ensure structured and efficient expansion throughout the archipelago.
Authorities have confirmed that the remaining zones will be integrated into the RTL network by the end of this calendar year, in line with the government’s national transportation policy. Once fully deployed, RTL will significantly reduce travel barriers for residents and promote equitable access to economic and social opportunities across the country.
This strategic cooperation between the Maldives and India underscores a shared vision for sustainable development through community-focused infrastructure. It also highlights India’s continued role as a development partner in key public service sectors, including transport, health, and education.
For international visitors, the expansion of the ferry network not only improves access to remote islands and cultural sites but also enhances the overall travel experience through safer, more efficient, and scenic inter-island transportation. As connectivity improves, tourism-related ventures in outer atolls are expected to flourish, further diversifying the country’s tourism offering beyond traditional resort islands.
advertisment
advertisment
