Muscat Metro project advances: Consultancy studies set for completion by year-end

MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman's strategic urban development plan continues to progress with the Muscat Metro project, currently in its preliminary phase as consultancy studies are slated for completion by year-end.

During remarks on Sunday, Eng. Saeed bin Hamoud bin Saeed Al Mawali, Minister of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology (MTCIT), said, "The ongoing studies concerning the Muscat Metro are on track for completion by the end of this year."

The proposed metro line, requiring an investment of OMR1 billion, is envisioned to stretch over 55km and encompass 42 passenger stations.

It's worth noting that MTCIT initiated the financial bidding process for the first consultancy study (phase-1 pre-feasibility outline) for the Muscat Metro last year.

The Muscat Metro's primary objectives include alleviating traffic congestion, enhancing the city's appeal to tourists, and establishing an efficient mass transit system connecting the commercial centers of Ruwi and Muttrah to Seeb in the west, with an additional branch to the airport and integration with other public transportation modes.

Additionally, the metro project aims to contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing the city's carbon footprint.

The enhancement of the public transport infrastructure aligns with the Ministry's ambitious Greater Muscat Development Plan, aimed at accommodating the anticipated population growth, fostering investment, improving transportation networks, enhancing service quality, bolstering infrastructure, and preserving the environment.

Al Mawali also disclosed ongoing studies for a railway link between Oman and Saudi Arabia, while the joint railway endeavour between Oman and the UAE (Sohar-Abu Dhabi) is slated for implementation within the year, alongside the formulation of relevant legislation.

The landmark Muscat Metro project was initially announced in 2021, with the current phase of tendering primarily focusing on the pre-feasibility stage and soliciting support for critical decision-making from the Ministry.

Furthermore, the Ministry has commissioned an impact study to evaluate the socio economic advantages of the project for the Muscat governorate and broader economy, ensuring the long-term viability of the proposed metro system.