India provides MVR 100mn grant to expand Maldives’ RTL ferry network

India has signed agreements to provide the Maldives with an MVR 100 million grant to expand the country’s Raajje Transport Link (RTL) high-speed ferry network.

The RTL network was launched in 2022 during the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) administration to link the scattered Maldivian archipelago with a high-speed ferry network.

On Sunday, Maldives and India signed 13 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) under the third phase of India’s grant assistance scheme, the High-Impact Community Development Project.

The agreements were signed by Maldivian Foreign Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel, Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen and Indian High Commissioner G. Balasubramanian in a ceremony held at the Foreign Ministry headquarters in Male’.

According to the Maldivian Foreign Ministry, the agreements pertain to the implementation of 13 projects, primarily aimed at expanding the RTL ferry network, expanding connectivity and uplifting community livelihoods.

The 13 projects amount to a total grant of MVR 100 million.

During the ceremony, Khaleel emphasized that India’s assistance has always been meaningful, purposeful, and aligned with the needs of the Maldivian people, reflecting the enduring bond between the two countries.

He highlighted that the projects launched are more than just infrastructural developments—they are lifelines to communities, designed to address local needs and bring lasting socio-economic benefits.

He further expressed confidence that the successful implementation of these projects would pave the way for even greater cooperation and shared progress, underscoring the spirit of friendship that defines Maldives-India relations.

Ameen, speaking on the project, highlighted the rapid progress in establishing a nationwide high-speed ferry network, now connecting 81 islands across nine atolls.

He said that the new MOUs with India will further expand these services, reinforcing the strong bilateral ties between the two countries.

Both Khaleel and Ameen expressed gratitude to the Indian government for its generous support, highlighting its transformative impact on Maldivian communities.

Meanwhile, Balasubramanian reiterated India’s commitment to supporting Maldives’ development, and expressed hopes the grant will benefit Maldivian communities.

The RTL ferry service is currently available in islands in HA. Atoll, HDh. Atoll, Sh. Atoll, N. Atoll, R. Atoll, B. Atoll, Lh. Atoll, AA. Atoll and ADh. Atoll.

Although initially scheduled for completion in 2027, the  Maldivian administration has said they now aim to expand the RTL ferry network to all residential islands in the Maldives by the end of this year.

However, Ameen has said that the government needs to increase the current fare rates in order to make the service more sustainable.