Advertisement
When should a housing society in Mumbai start considering re...
From GST on JDAs to SEBI’s REIT reclassification and the S...
Stay ahead in the world of real estate with our daily podcas...
Stay ahead in the world of real estate with our daily podcas...
India has commissioned the first of twelve high-speed ferries for the Maldives under the High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP) Phase III framework. The vessel will operate under the Raajje Transport Link services between the Faafu and Dhaalu atolls, improving inter-island mobility and access to essential services. The broader programme is backed by a grant of MVR 100 million, approximately INR 55 crore, covering multiple ferry-related projects. The move builds on India's continued financial and infrastructure support to the Maldives under its regional cooperation initiatives.
India has put into service a new high-speed ferry in the Maldives as part of its ongoing infrastructure cooperation with the island nation. The vessel will operate under the Raajje Transport Link (RTL) network between the Faafu and Dhaalu atolls, improving regular passenger movement across these islands. Advertisement
This ferry is the first of twelve vessels being supplied under the High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP) Phase III agreement between India and the Maldives. The project focuses on strengthening local connectivity and improving access to services for island communities that depend heavily on marine transport.
Officials stated that the ferry service is expected to make travel faster and more reliable for residents, while also supporting local economic activity such as fisheries, small trade and inter-island services. The Indian High Commissioner to the Maldives, G. Balasubramanian, conveyed that India remains committed to supporting projects that directly benefit communities and enhance public infrastructure.
The expanded ferry programme is supported by a grant of MVR 100 million, which is approximately INR 55 crore. The funding covers multiple ferry-related development lines aimed at strengthening maritime connectivity across dispersed islands. The initiative forms part of a broader set of thirteen community-focused projects agreed upon between the two governments.
India has previously extended financial assistance of nearly USD 29.5 million across different phases of high-impact community projects in the Maldives. These projects have included transport infrastructure, coastal protection, sports facilities and other public infrastructure. The new ferry deployment adds to these ongoing efforts and reflects steady implementation of agreed bilateral commitments.
The ferry rollout also aligns with India's Neighbourhood First policy and its regional maritime cooperation vision, which emphasise connectivity, stability and shared development across the Indian Ocean region. Continued engagement between the two governments in recent months has reinforced cooperation in infrastructure and connectivity projects.
Source PTI
FAQ
1. What is the objective of the new high-speed ferry deployment?
India has commissioned its first high-speed ferry for the Maldives under the High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP) Phase III. The vessel aims to improve inter-island connectivity, provide faster and more reliable travel for residents, and support access to essential services, including healthcare, education, and local trade.
2. Which routes will the ferry operate on?
The ferry will operate under the Raajje Transport Link (RTL) network, specifically between the Faafu and Dhaalu atolls, two important island clusters in the Maldives. This service will facilitate smoother mobility for daily commuters, fishermen, traders, and tourists across these islands.
3. How many ferries are planned under HICDP Phase III?
A total of twelve high-speed ferries are planned under Phase III of the HICDP programme. The recently deployed vessel is the first of the twelve, with subsequent ferries expected to be commissioned in the coming months to further strengthen island connectivity.
4. What is the funding and scale of the project?
The ferry programme is backed by a grant of MVR 100 million (approximately INR 55 crore). This funding supports multiple ferry-related development initiatives across different atolls in the Maldives, aiming to improve maritime connectivity and infrastructure in dispersed island communities.
5. How does this project fit into India Maldives cooperation?
The initiative builds on India's continued financial and infrastructure support to the Maldives. Over previous HICDP phases, India has provided nearly USD 29.5 million for community-focused projects, including transport infrastructure, coastal protection, and sports facilities. The ferry deployment aligns with India's Neighbourhood First policy and regional maritime cooperation vision.
6. What broader benefits are expected from this initiative?
The high-speed ferry is expected to reduce travel time and improve reliability for residents, support local economic activity such as fisheries, small trade, and inter-island services, and strengthen regional ties, demonstrating India's commitment to shared development and connectivity across the Indian Ocean region.
5th Jun, 2025
25th May, 2023
11th May, 2023
27th Apr, 2023
Advertisement
Facebook
Whatsapp
