Addu and Fuahmulah linked by MVK Maldives

Regular daily high-speed ferries linking Addu Atoll and Fuahmulah Atoll has begun today. Ferries will depart Fuahmulah at 8:00am daily with the return leg from Addu at 2:00 pm. A return fare is currently set at Mrf 200 per person, 20% lower than what was charged earlier by Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC), which ran a weekday only service. MVK is set to provide services every day of the week, a condition set by the government.

A prominent business conglomerate, MVK group said that the fare of 200 Mrf is not permanent and the pricing will be regulated by the Transport Ministry and not set by them. “This is just the beginning of the operation and it is a trial period,” a spokesman from MVK said. According to Transport Ministry, cross-subsidized fares will begin later this month and will not exceed Mrf 50, as per contract.

MVK has reportedly acquired a new fleet of vessels which are currently being modified to meet the required safety regulations. However, the operation had to start earlier than expected because MTCC stopped their services on the 1^st of this month, unannounced.

In addition to sea transfer, MVK is also currently procuring a set of coaches and mini-vans to begin operations linking the huge population of Addu Atoll, especially those inter-connected to the capital island Hithadhoo. In addition, bus services will be provided in Hulhudhoo-Meedhoo region as well as in Fuahmulah island.

As part of its electoral pledges, the Maldivian Democratic Party led government has now successfully connected more than half the population by regular ferries. All islands and Atoll will have regular transport services with in a couple of months, according to an official at the Transport Ministry.

The initial services in all regions are basic to begin with but are expected to improve once the trial period is over which will give indications on demand and price expectation. The government has provided additional means of income to companies who have been given the 50 year contracts as a means to subsidize their overall business plan.

According to reports, the transport network has kick-started new economic activities in different regions. “My wife now travels to the capital islands couple of times a week to sell her chillies and lemons. We have extra income now. This is very good,” a happy man from Thaa Atoll described his views on the new transport system.

There is no doubt that the first ever nationwide transport network will yield excellent socio-economic benefits but these will only materialize in good time.