President Muizzu Confirms Nationwide RTL Ferry Expansion Despite Global Supply Chain Delays

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has reaffirmed the government's commitment to expanding the Raajje Transport Link (RTL) ferry service across all atolls, acknowledging that global geopolitical tensions have slowed the original timeline. During a recent press conference, the President addressed the status of the transport network, admitting that the goal to complete the nationwide rollout by the end of this month was not met. He attributed the delay to economic and logistical disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which forced the administration to re-evaluate spending priorities. Despite these challenges, President Muizzu emphasized that the service is being developed to meet the high standards of reliability and comfort expected by the public. He assured citizens that the government remains dedicated to ensuring the service is delivered effectively across the archipelago. Official data reveals that the RTL network has already been established in 15 atolls. Currently, 35 speedboats are in active operation, with an additional 12 vessels under construction to bolster capacity. Since its inception in 2022, the service has expanded to cover 145 islands, significantly improving connectivity for remote communities. The government's strategic roadmap now shifts toward a more integrated transport model. The next phase of the project will focus on interconnecting the atolls, aiming to link each atoll to one another and eventually integrating the various regional zones into a seamless national network. This expansion is seen as a critical step in enhancing the mobility of residents and supporting local economic growth by reducing the isolation of smaller islands.