In order to strengthen the public maritime transport infrastructure, the Maldives government will soon start the work on the first phase of the Integrated National Public Ferry Network project in the country, reported Sun.

The state-owned Maldives Transport and Contracting Company is tasked to develop the first phase of the high-speed ferry network connecting different regions of the country. Mohammad Solih, the President of the Maldives, took the decision on Tuesday in a cabinet meeting.

The purpose of the project is to connect dispersed population regions through an affordable public high-speed network. The project comprises two separate networks, each for passenger and cargo transit, integrating the land and maritime region of the 1192 island-archipelago.

The project is part of the president’s much-publicized decentralization of power and resources in the governance. In a statement, the president's office said the network aims to facilitate inclusive regional development by connecting people and services, accelerate social and economic growth, improve efficiency in the delivery of public services and improve mobility and accessibility for all citizens in all areas of the nation, stated the president office.