MTCC Scores The First Phase Of Government’s Ambitious 'Integrated National Public Ferry Network' Project!

In both the National Spatial Plan and the Strategic Action Plan (2019-2023), the Government of Maldives has stressed that an integrated national transport service is a national priority.

On Tuesday, after consultations with his Cabinet members, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has made the decision to commission the first phase of the ‘Integrated National Public Ferry Network' project to Maldives Transport and Contracting Company Plc. (MTCC). Following deliberations on a paper submitted by the Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, the Cabinet reached the decision at the session held yesterday. 

In line with the Decentralization Act, this ambitious ferry network is a major project that will introduce affordable, convenient and sustainable passenger and cargo ferry services to all administrative divisions of Maldives. The objective behind the project is to make way for inclusive regional development through connecting people and services; accelerating social and economic growth; improving efficiency in the delivery of public services and lastly, amplifying mobility and accessibility for everyone single person in the nation.  

Accordingly, the proposed network under the project identifies six central regions for which two separate networks – one for passenger transit and another for movement of cargo – will be provided within and in between the regions that will also link maritime transport with land and air transport. The ferry network will connect islands within and between areas via three types of links; commute links, non-commute links and highway links.

This project is also envisaged to contribute to achieving several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through its broad socio-economic impact.