Transport Minister: Nation cannot progress without strong transport system, regardless of mega projects

Transport Minister Aishath Nahula.

Transport Minister Aishath Nahula states a nation cannot progress without a strong transport system, no matter how many mega development projects are run.

She made the statement during the ceremony held on Saturday evening to launch the Raajje Transport Link (RTL) under the integrated national ferry network project.

Nahula said that the transport system was important for the development of Maldives.

“No matter how many mega development projects are run, if the transport system of the country isn’t strong, that country won’t progress,” he said.

Nahula said that that a strong transport system was also essential for a decentralized system, and that RTL would link islands and bring development.

She said that given Maldives was composed of islands, linking the islands via a strong transport system would provide a huge convenience to the people, and was essential to both social and economic development.

Speaking at the ceremony, Planning Minister Mohamed Aslam said the RTL ferry system would revolutionize Maldives.

Planning Minister Mohamed Aslam. (Photo/President's Office)

“We have always seen how mobility or the ease in travel is essential for the development of a community,” he said.

Aslam said a strong transport system generates social and economic growth, and that it was also key to decentralization.

“The transport system we launch today offers modern quality, high speed and convenience. I believe it would be difficult for Maldives to develop further without this transport system,” he said.

Aslam said it was the vision of the current administration to link Maldives via a transport system and bring an end to isolation, and expressed confidence in the success of the RTL system.

In a video message at the ceremony, Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail said the system would consolidate the scattered economy.

“I believe the many small markets will become one huge market,” he said.

The RTL system is part of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s pledges of linking Maldives via a transport system.