Latest news with #KhamisbinMohammedalShammakhi
Observer
4 days ago
- Business
- Observer
Pact signed to build integrated public bus station in Al Buraimi
MUSCAT: Al Buraimi Governorate and national transport operator Mwasalat have signed an agreement to establish a modern, integrated public bus station in the Al Uqda Al Shamaliya area of Al Buraimi. The facility will span 56,000 square metres and aims to enhance the public transport network in line with Oman Vision 2040. The project will feature an eco-friendly design and provide both inter-city and intra-city transport services. Key components include a smart taxi hub, a micro-mobility station, air-conditioned waiting areas, dedicated bus bays, offices for transport operators, retail shops, logistics services, and ample parking for cars and buses. The signing ceremony was held under the auspices of Eng Khamis bin Mohammed al Shammakhi, Under-Secretary for Transport at the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology. The agreement was signed by Sayyid Dr Hamad bin Ahmed al Busaidi, Governor of Al Buraimi, and Engineer Badr bin Mohammed al Nadabi, CEO of Mwasalat. According to the agreement, Mwasalat will act as the technical lead, responsible for the station's design standards, supervision, and eventual operation and management. The governorate will provide funding for infrastructure works and facilitate administrative and regulatory processes, including land use modifications. The site will be designated as the exclusive hub for public transport services in the governorate. Governor Al Busaidi highlighted the project's economic and social impact, stating that the new station will cater to a large number of public transport users. Currently, around 12 daily bus services run on the Muscat–Al Buraimi route, along with cross-border services to Abu Dhabi via Al Buraimi. Mwasalat CEO Al Nadabi added that the agreement also includes investment opportunities, with a tender to be floated for private sector participation. Construction is expected to begin within three months, with completion targeted within three years. — ONA
Observer
21-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
MTCIT to intensify efforts to get street taxis to join apps
Muscat: With its efforts to get Orange and White Street taxis to join licensed app-based companies, the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology (MTCIT) intends to launch a public awareness campaign to educate drivers on the importance of joining the application with the help of specialized international and regional companies. According to the sources in the industry, despite repeated deadlines, getting everyone on board has been challenging, even though thousands of drivers are already operating under app-based companies. MTCIT has been stressing that taxi apps are essential to ensure transparency by setting fixed prices before the trip, and security by tracking and monitoring the route. The licensed companies will guarantee drivers that services are available quickly. The clear pricing and payment systems will benefit both drivers and customers, apart from the ease of use and privacy of the user's data. MTCIT wanted all Orange and White taxis should be part of the licensed companies from April 1, 2025, but efforts are yet to yield results. But several owners are reluctant to adapt to the new system, including the conditions and fares set by the companies and the ministry. Individual taxi operators can join OTaxi, Tasleem, Marhaba, Oman Taxi, Hala, and Taxi Muscat, which operate via mobile applications. The government said it has determined to improve and raise the level of taxi services in the country. As of January 2025, there are 28,241 registered taxis in the Sultanate of Oman, and several of them operate under companies. Speaking to the Observer, Eng Khamis bin Mohammed al Shammakhi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology for Transport, said, 'We focus a lot on streamlining taxi services as part of our plans to improve public transport and the main objective is to ensure that all taxis should be metered (even orange and white street taxis ) through applications.' He said that there have been challenges, but progress has been made on that front. 'Today, we have eight app-based taxi companies operating in the country.'
Observer
17-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Road projects with RO 920 million underway across Oman
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology has invested more than RO 920 million in road development projects across the Sultanate of Oman since the beginning of the Tenth Five-Year Plan in 2021. These efforts reflect the government's commitment to enhancing connectivity, supporting regional development, and improving infrastructure throughout the country. According to Eng Khamis bin Mohammed al Shammakhi, Under-Secretary for Transport, the Ministry is currently implementing a number of dual carriageway and other road projects in various stages—some under execution, others in the bidding phase or under design. One of the most significant recent completions is the Sultan Said bin Taimur Road, a 400-kilometre-long dual carriageway, now the longest in the Sultanate. Following the completion of national roads linking major governorates, the Ministry is now focusing on regional projects and urban connections. Among the most prominent projects in progress is the dual carriageway in the Wilayat of Ibra in North Al Sharqiyah Governorate, which is currently in the design phase. This road will link Sultan Turki bin Said Road, pass through Al Mudhaibi, and extend to Sinaw. In Al Dhahirah Governorate, the Ministry is working on the first phase of the Rub al Khali Road, which involves dualising an 11-kilometre section from Al Buraimi to Mahdha. Additionally, the remaining segment of the Sultan Said bin Taimur Road from Adam to Haima is being completed. Eng Khamis bin Mohammed al Shammakhi, Under-Secretary for Transport at the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology. In Dhofar Governorate, several road infrastructure projects are underway. These include the dual carriageway from Raysut to Al Mughsail, the construction of the Mughsail Bridge and Itin Tunnel, the dualisation of Al Farouq and Sultan Taimur Streets, and the development of an asphalt road network in the Wilayat of Maqshan. The Ministry is also advancing the Jabal Shams Road and the dual carriageway connecting Izki and Nizwa via Qarut South, Barakat Al Mouz, and Farq in Al Dakhiliyah Governorate. In South Al Sharqiyah, the dual carriageway linking Al Kamil, Jalan Bani Bu Hassan, and Jalan Bani Bu Ali is under evaluation, based on a final scope agreed upon with relevant authorities. Meanwhile, the Al Kamil–Sur Road project has reached more than 46 per cent completion, and the Sultan Faisal bin Turki Road project has surpassed 44 per cent completion. Al Shammakhi revealed that road projects awarded in 2024 are valued at over RO 450 million, and the total value of projects this year is expected to exceed RO 600 million. Since the start of the Tenth Five-Year Plan, the cumulative value of road projects awarded by the Ministry has surpassed RO 920 million. He also noted that the Ministry is working to implement key internal highway connections based on annual priorities and approvals from relevant authorities. These include a connection from the Musannah (Shuaiba) Roundabout and the Sohar link to the Batinah Expressway, which is expected to be tendered this year. Additional connections and works are also underway along Sultan Turki bin Said Road and the Batinah Expressway. The Ministry is simultaneously supervising maintenance work on asphalt roads in various governorates. A key project includes the rehabilitation of Sultan Thuwaini bin Said Road, which runs from the Wilayat of Bidbid to Nizwa. Currently, the Ministry oversees a road network that spans over 33,000 kilometres, including approximately 16,000 kilometres of asphalt roads and 17,000 kilometres of dirt roads. — ONA
Observer
12-04-2025
- Automotive
- Observer
Initial phase of Muscat Area Traffic Study launched
MUSCAT, APRIL 12 The initial phase of the Muscat Area Traffic Study is being carried out utilising advanced technology to gather precise data and take suitable actions to adapt to shifts in traffic patterns, according to the Municipality. This phase is expected to last around 6 weeks and will cover all wilayats in the Muscat Governorate, and data will be collected using pneumatic rubber tubes (PRT), drones, drones, cameras, mobile phone statistics, survey samples, and Google Maps. Automated traffic counts will be conducted at 45 locations, turning movement counts at 85 intersections and roundabouts, and 23 bridges Parking areas in selected congested areas will be surveyed to assess their rate of usage. There are plans to resolve the traffic congestion in the capital with the implementation of some vital projects this year. Earlier speaking to the Observer, Eng Said bin Hamoud al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, "There are a lot of road projects that will be implemented in 2025, which include the expansion of Muscat Expressway, the November 18 road, and the remodelling of Burj Al Sahwa roundabout. Eng Khamis bin Mohammed al Shammakhi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology for Transport, said the Muscat traffic decongestion project will include the Al Mouj Street expansion. "A government team specialised in addressing traffic congestion in Muscat Governorate is working in coordination and cooperation with the Muscat Governor's Office to find solutions." The remodelling of Burj al Sahwa Roundabout will include bridges and tunnels in addition to the expansion of the lanes, and it is expected that the tender will be issued before the end of this month." Several questionnaires will be distributed among road users: An SMS-based origin-destination survey to understand the daily trips made by road users and the time taken for each. A direct interview-based stated preference survey to understand road users' preferred modes of transportation and the time and cost involved What is PRT Pneumatic road tubes (PRT), also known as pneumatic road traffic counters, are devices used for traffic monitoring and data collection on roads. These tubes are made of durable rubber or plastic and are typically placed across the road surface to measure vehicle movements, including traffic volume, speed, axle load, and classification. How does PRT work? The pneumatic road tubes work by detecting changes in pressure caused by vehicles passing over them. They consist of flexible rubber or plastic tubes filled with air. When a vehicle's tyres run over the tube, it compresses, causing a pressure change that is recorded by a monitoring device. They are usually connected to a data collection device, such as a traffic counter or a data logger, which records the information collected from the tubes. The tubes are typically installed perpendicular to the direction of traffic flow, and multiple tubes may be used to gather data on different lanes or directions. Muscat Municipality had earlier invited a tender for consultancy services to study the traffic situation in the capital from specialised international companies with experience in the field of road and public transportation to identify current traffic patterns, peak times, volume, weak spots in the existing road network, and areas most prone to traffic congestion. The study is expected to improvements to the existing road network, future connections, and the governorate's needs for public transportation to keep pace with the growth of population and vehicles by taking into account development plans in urban and tourism sectors. The consultant will provide solutions to reduce traffic congestion in the short, medium, and long term on a priority basis. Muscat is the most densely populated governorate in the country with its six wilayats. The Muscat Expressway project includes expanding the expressway from the Qurm traffic signal and will include new lanes, bridge widening, and upgrades at key interchanges, all within the existing right-of-way. The Muscat Expressway currently includes 15 interchanges. The Al Mouj and November 18th Street expansion project includes three lanes in each direction, traffic signals replacing roundabouts, and new service roads for commercial establishments located in the area.
Zawya
21-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Oman's transport sector decarbonisation unlocks investment options
Investments in new green energy fuel stations, EV charging infrastructure, and a major LNG bunkering project highlight the promising future of transport sector decarbonisation. Decarbonisation strategies outlined by the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MoTCIT) underline the potential for investments across the maritime, transport and logistics segments of this pivotal national infrastructure, according to a new report. Published by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP), the Advisory report – put together by Oxford Business Group (OBG) - highlights high-growth opportunities in key sectors, including transport and logistics. Significantly, the Omani government's commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050 opens up an array of investment opportunities in, among other industries, the transportation sector, which currently accounts for 19 per cent of total emissions, the report notes. Already, strategic initiatives by the government, in the form of supportive policies and incentives, have spurred investments in Electric Vehicle charging infrastructure, the introduction of hydrogen-powered vehicles, and of late, hydrogen fuelling stations as well. Also boding well for further investments are plans by the government to establish a dedicated corridor for hydrogen powered trucks, and mandate offshore power solutions for ships in select ports. Longer term, the production and supply of LNG for bunkering in the maritime sector is set to become a reality by 2028, when the all-electric Marsa LNG plant is operational at Sohar Port. Beyond decarbonisation, the wider transportation sector is also being primed for investment, according to the report. These investment opportunities are linked to recently unveiled plans to, for example, transform creeks into marinas and business centres, develop mining jetties for the export of gypsum and limestone, support ship repair and scrapping activities, catalyse the growth of multipurpose ports, re-export and repackaging hubs, and e-commerce fulfilment centres, as well as foster the development of airport free zones and new dry ports. In the logistics sector, investment growth is projected in green supply chains, last-mile delivery and contactless delivery solutions. Also prospective for investment are opportunities linked to the expansion of regional aviation connections and partnerships in Africa and China, while strengthening ties with European and South-east Asian markets. Eng Khamis bin Mohammed al Shammakhi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology for Transport, was quoted in the report as saying that Oman is enhancing its logistics capabilities to support inward investment. 'Oman is implementing innovative measures to strengthen its logistics infrastructure. The country is piloting blockchain technology to track the movement of goods within economic zones, significantly improving lead times. The Royal Oman Police's Customs clearance system mandates that goods must be cleared within two hours, a measure intended to boost efficiency. Additionally, a port community system has been introduced to streamline procedures, reducing the time required for operations from two days to two hours – as well as minimising fees. These advancements help to enhance the appeal of Oman's logistics sector to foreign investors,' he said. Additionally, Oman is improving last-mile logistics by introducing supportive technologies and stronger regulations. 'Efforts include new regulations that require operators to register through a central platform in a move to ensure compliance and streamline inspections. The entry of investors like technology firm Yandex – which will provide an application that combines taxi services with last-mile delivery – showcases Oman's commitment to modernising this segment. These steps aim to make the logistics chain more efficient and attractive to investors by ensuring delivery solutions that are both reliable and scalable,' Al Shammakhi added. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
