RTL bus routes altered following Neelan Fihaara fire

Raajje Transport Link (RTL) bus routes have been altered following the major fire at Neelan Fihaara early Monday morning.

Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) said that some of the routes were altered as a large area of Boduthakurufaanu Magu has been cordoned off following the fire.

A senior official of MTCC Transport Division told Sun that Ameenee route has temporarily been ceased following the incident. As the company expects more demand for Orchid route subsequently, they have increased the number of buses traveling on this route.

In addition to this, West Park to Hulhumale’ Phase One and Phase Two route has temporarily been shifted to Carnival area.

MTCC said that buses will resume on standard routes once cordoned areas a reopened when the smoke subsides.

The fire at Neelan Fihaara broke at approximately 5:30am early Monday morning and was controlled by 7:30am through a collaborative effort of MNDF, police and the public.

The fire also spread to an accommodation block of Male’ City Council staff, which had completely been destroyed in the incident. None of the staff residing at the accommodation block was injured in the fire.

Over 250 people impacted by the fire, inclusive of 166 Male’ City Council staff, have been moved to Imaadhudhin School for temporary shelter.

Four schools in the vicinity of the fire have also canceled classes for the day.