The government has announced a series of decisive measures aimed at accelerating the implementation of national development projects, strengthening public service delivery, and expanding the nationwide Raajje Transport Link (RTL) ferry network.
The decisions were endorsed during Sunday's Cabinet meeting as part of a broader effort to ensure government projects are completed on schedule while improving coordination across state institutions.
A key decision was to fully operationalize the government's Dhuveli portal by the end of this week. The digital platform, together with the Public Investment Management System (PIMS) developed by the Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises, will enable real-time monitoring of government projects across the country. Both systems will be continuously updated to closely track implementation and identify delays.
To further strengthen project execution, the Cabinet approved the establishment of a dedicated team within the Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises to resolve challenges affecting projects carried out by ministries and state-owned enterprises. Every ministry will also create its own project monitoring unit to oversee day-to-day progress and improve accountability.
The Cabinet additionally instructed the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, the Ministry of Finance and Public Enterprises, and contractors to work in close coordination to ensure infrastructure projects are completed within their scheduled timelines.
A major priority identified by the Cabinet is the nationwide expansion of the Raajje Transport Link ferry service. Ministers directed all relevant agencies to prioritize the establishment of the RTL network and begin operations across the country before the end of January 2027.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu reaffirmed the government's commitment to delivering a reliable and efficient ferry network, despite delays caused by regional economic challenges stemming from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Speaking at a recent press conference, the President acknowledged that the original target of completing the network across all atolls by the end of this month could not be achieved due to shifting spending priorities and logistical constraints. However, he stressed that work on the project continues at full pace.
The President said the government is focused on providing ferry services that meet public expectations, while making the network more comfortable, reliable and accessible for communities throughout the Maldives.
According to the latest official figures, the RTL service has already been introduced in 15 atolls, serving 145 islands with a fleet of 35 speedboats. A further 12 vessels are currently under construction as the government moves into the next phase of the project.
That next stage will focus on connecting atolls with one another, creating an integrated nationwide transport network that links islands across the country and improves mobility for residents and businesses alike.
The Cabinet also approved new public safety measures requiring that chemical storage facilities across the islands be located at safe distances from residential areas, in line with the safety standards applied in Malé. The decision follows recent hazardous incidents involving chemical storage and aims to strengthen safety standards nationwide.
The latest Cabinet decisions reflect the administration's broader strategy of improving project implementation, enhancing public services, and delivering critical national infrastructure that supports economic growth and improves the quality of life for people across the Maldives.
