Latest news with #GeneralBudget2025
Observer
13-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
3 agreements signed for Sultan Said bin Taimour Road dualisation
Muscat: The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) signed three agreements related to the dualisation of the Sultan Said bin Taimur Road (Adam-Thumrait), which is already under implementation in various stages. Agreements signed on Tuesday is for the third, fourth, and fifth parts of the dual carriageway of Sultan Said bin Taimur Road (Adam-Thumrait), with a total length of 400 km at a total cost of RO258 million. The total length of the three sections is 400 km, with a total cost exceeding RO258 million. It may be noted that the General Budget 2025 allocated RO 900 million for development projects, of which 36 percent was allocated to the infrastructure sector, including the Sultan Said bin Taimur Road, which is poised to become the longest dual carriageway in the Sultanate of Oman. The agreements were signed on behalf of the Ministry by Eng. Said bin Hamoud Al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology. He said, "The project implementation period is 36 months, as the contractors have begun preparations that include housing for workers and delivering equipment. The road will contribute to raising the efficiency of logistical transport between the governorates of the Sultanate of Oman and between the border crossings in the north and the south, as well as to the concession areas." Agreements The first agreement was with an Omani-Saudi joint venture between Sarooj Construction Company (Sultanate of Oman) and Rawaf Contracting Company (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) for Part Three of the project between the Wilayat of Haima to the Wilayat of Muqshin (132.5 km). It entails the design and construction of 16 ground-level bypass lanes, one overpass bridge, 115 reinforced concrete box culverts for surface water drainage, and 88 pipe culverts for median drainage. The project will also involve the installation of future utility ducts (broadband corridor) along the road. Additionally, the project includes the construction of four rest areas, 21 public parking areas, eight emergency openings in the central median, and 22 parking bays for the Royal Oman Police. It also covers the reconstruction of the existing road at Wadi crossings and the rehabilitation of certain segments, along with the implementation of road safety features (concrete and metal barriers, road studs, road markings, and directional and warning signs). The second agreement was with the Omani-Saudi joint venture between Galfar Engineering and Contracting and Alomaier Trading and Contracting Company the Part Four of the project. This section extends 135 km from the Wilayat of Muqshin to the Duka. This part includes the construction of a new dual carriageway with two lanes in each direction, 14 ground-level bypass lanes, one overpass bridge, 241 reinforced concrete box culverts for surface water drainage, and 95 pipe culverts in the median. It also includes the installation of future utility ducts (broadband corridor). The project also includes three rest areas, eight emergency openings, and 25 parking bays for the Royal Oman Police and reconstruction of the existing road at wadi crossings. The third agreement was signed with an Omani-Saudi joint venture between Oman Gulf Company (Sultanate of Oman) and Kom Al Fahd Trading, Industry, and Contracting Company, for Part Five. This section extends 132.5 km from the Duka area to the Wilayat of Thumrait. It will have 20 ground-level bypass lanes, 101 reinforced concrete box culverts for surface water drainage, and 110 pipe culverts. It also includes 5 rest areas, 16 public parking areas, 8 emergency openings in the median, and 25 parking bays for the Royal Oman Police. The implementation of these three sections follows the previously completed parts of the road from the Wilayat of Adam in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate to the Wilayat of Haima in Al Wusta Governorate, with a total length of 317 kilometers. Upon completion, the dualized road is expected to reduce road accidents.
Observer
06-04-2025
- Observer
Oman has one of the best road networks in the world
Muscat, April 6 One thing that is always highly praised, and of which citizens and residents should be proud, is the roads of the Sultanate of Oman. This sentiment is especially echoed by first-time visitors to the country, who often rank Oman's roads above those in some so-called developed economies. According to the World Population Review by WEF for 2024, Oman's roads are ranked eighth globally and second in the Arab World in the Road Quality Index. This ranking is also reflected in travel advisories issued by some countries to their nationals visiting Oman, stating, "Roads in Oman are good, but exercise caution as rainfall can cause significant flooding during the rainy season." Road quality is a crucial aspect of a country's infrastructure, and some countries have better road quality than others. To determine the country with the best roads, a Roads Quality Index (QRI) score has been awarded to many countries. The QRI rating was determined after a survey involving business leaders from 144 countries and their opinions on roadways worldwide. As of June 2024, Singapore topped the list with a QRI score of 6.45, followed by Switzerland (6.36), Netherlands (6.18), Hong Kong (6.06), Portugal (6.05), Japan (6.02), France and Oman (5.96), United Arab Emirates (5.92), and Austria (5.89). Another important statistic to consider when evaluating a country's road quality is the mean speed score, based on travel times between major cities. According to the latest data (International Monetary Fund, 2022), the United States leads the list with a score of 107. Canada, Saudi Arabia, and Portugal are currently tied for second place with scores of 106. France follows with a 105 rating, Spain with 103, Oman with 102, and South Africa with 100, rounding out the countries with mean speed scores of 100 or higher. The importance of the road network in Oman's challenging terrain is evident in the General Budget 2025, which allocated RO 900 million for development projects under 'development expenditure' and programmes approved within the budgets of civil ministries and government units. Of this amount, 36 per cent has been allocated to the infrastructure sector, including major road projects to be implemented and completed this year, such as the Khasab-Dibba-Lima Road, Al Sharqiyah Expressway, Adam-Thamrait Road, and the Ansab-Jafnain dualisation project. The expansion of the Muscat Expressway will commence this year, involving the construction of three additional lanes in both directions, bringing the total number of lanes to 12, with 6 lanes in each direction, making it the widest road in the Sultanate of Oman.
