India has provided MVR 100 million in grant assistance to the Maldives to further expand the RTL service launched by the former government to connect the entire country via a ferry network.

In addition to the MVR 100 million assistance, 13 MoUs were signed under the third phase of the High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP). However, the government did not disclose details.

Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen posted on X that the assistance will facilitate to achieving President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's target of providing RTL service to the entire country by the end of this year.

The RTL service was launched by the former government to connect all the atolls with a network of high-speed ferries. Under the project, 65 launches will be built and 149 terminals will be developed across the country. The RTL service is designed to connect the atolls and Male' when all phases are completed.

The service is now being provided in the northernmost part of the country in Haa Alif, Haa Dhaal, Shaviyani Noonu and Lhaviyani atolls and the southermost Gaaf Alif, Gaaf Dhaal, Fuvahmulah and Addu city.

The government signed the agreement with Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) last year to establish RTL services in Noonu, Raa and Baa atolls.