Development of INIA to start within new administration's first 100 days

Ministry of Transport and Communications has announced that the government will begin development of the Ibrahim Nasir International Airport (INIA) within the new administration's first 100 days.

Announcing the Transport Ministry’s objectives for the first 100 days at an event in Dharubaaruge last night, the Ministry said that INIA’s will receive a new holding bay to extend its runway and that the existing domestic terminal will be expanded.

The Ministry announced in its presentation that the government aims to increase the capacity of the airport to 5 million passengers per year, within the administration's 5 year term.

The Ministry also said Thimarafushu and Fuvahmulah domestic airports will be equipped with the capability to land flights at night and that they plan to launch a new development project for Koodoo domestic airport which will allow the airport to receive jet aircrafts. The Ministry also laid out a number of plans for the state aviation company Island Aviation Services to begin domestic seaplane services.

The government plans to start implementation of a new taxi law which will facilitate for current taxi owners to receive financial loans and also improve and regulate the overall standard and performance of taxis in the country.

During last night's presentation, the Ministry revealed that Metro bus services will be expanded to Hulhumale’ neighbourhood two and work on a new ferry system that provides additional services to commuters between Male’ and Hulhumale’ will begin in Fisherman’s park in Male’. They also plan to allow for imported goods to be directly offloaded to Hulhumale’, a step to ease and increase trade in the newly developing extension of the capital.

Further plans include establishment of 15 e-centers in the islands to provide information, communication and technology opportunities, begin processing non-electronic passports through the post offices in Haa Dhaalu, Laamu and Fuvahmulah atolls, improve scanning capabilities of the main post office, increase the post office’s overall efficiency and establish a special corner for Maldives Post at the national museum.

The government also plans to bring down the costs for Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) related industries, a bid to give an edge to Maldives in ICT within the South Asian Association for Regional Corporation (SAARC) group.