RTL ferry service launched in Laamu, expanding network to 15 atolls

The Raajje Transport Link (RTL) ferry service was launched in Laamu atoll on Tuesday, expanding the nationwide public transport network to 15 atolls.

The service was inaugurated by Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim at a ceremony held in L. Fonadhoo. The event was attended by the Indian Deputy High Commissioner to the Maldives Kumar Gaurav, MPs representing Laamu constituencies, island council leaders, and senior officials from MTCC, including Chairman Mohamed Afeef Hussain and Deputy Managing Director Mohamed Jamsheed.

Under the RTL rollout policy, residents of Laamu atoll will receive one week of free travel as familiarisation trips. The free period will run from Wednesday to Tuesday, after which ticketed services will begin.

According to the Ministry of Transport, Laamu’s inclusion brings the total number of atolls with operational RTL services to 15. The project, launched in 2022, aims to divide the country into six transport zones and connect all inhabited islands through scheduled ferry routes.

The Minister of Tourism & Environment, Mr. Thoriq Ibrahim has officially inaugurated the commencement of Raajje Transport Link (RTL) ferry service in L. Atoll today.

The commencement ceremony, held in L. Fonadhoo, was attended by the Indian Deputy High Commissioner to the… pic.twitter.com/pEeGFXcZGI

— MTCC Plc (@MTCCPlc) March 31, 2026

RTL services have yet to be launched in Meemu, Kaafu, Alifu Alifu, Alifu Dhaalu and Vaavu atolls. The government says work is ongoing to expand the network to the remaining regions.

However, in several atolls where the service has already begun, the number of cancelled ferry trips has been increasing, raising concerns about operational consistency.

MTCC said Laamu atoll will be served via two routes, and encouraged residents to make use of the free trial period.