Latest news with #MuscatMetro
Zawya
23-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Muscat Metro, cross-border rail projects key to Oman's long-term mobility goals
MUSCAT: Oman's ambitious drive to overhaul its transport sector is gaining pace, with work progressing on two landmark projects—the Muscat Metro network and the Hafeet Rail link connecting Oman and the UAE. These initiatives, central to the Sultanate's long-term mobility goals, were a key focus of discussions during the Oman-France Rail & Mobility Day held in Muscat on Tuesday. As part of Oman Vision 2040 and the Transport and Logistics Strategy (2021–2025), the Sultanate has committed more than US$4 billion in recent years to modernise its infrastructure—transforming the way people and goods move across the country. The Muscat Metro project, now in the feasibility stage, proposes a 50-kilometre network with 36 stations across the capital. Once operational, it will become Oman's first urban rail system, significantly easing congestion in the capital while promoting more sustainable modes of travel. Designed to support Muscat's growing population and expanding cityscape, the metro is envisioned as a backbone of the city's future transport ecosystem—linking key residential, commercial, and transit hubs. Also moving forward is the Hafeet Rail Project, a cross-border railway that will connect Oman with the United Arab Emirates. The line is expected to streamline the flow of both freight and passengers between economic zones in the two countries, enhancing trade and regional integration. Both projects are being developed with a strong focus on sustainability, multimodal connectivity, and alignment with the broader logistics and economic goals of the Sultanate. In parallel with rail infrastructure, Oman is working to modernise its public transport systems through the introduction of electric buses, improved service integration, and upgraded transit infrastructure—key elements in the shift toward greener mobility solutions. French expertise supports Oman's vision While the focus remains firmly on Oman's strategic goals, the event also underscored the value of international partnerships. Organised by Business France with the support of the French Embassy in Oman, the Oman-France Rail & Mobility Day brought together key Omani institutions including Mwasalat, ASYAD, and the Oman Chamber of Commerce, alongside 13 French companies offering solutions in railway engineering, urban mobility, safety systems, and digital infrastructure. The event was inaugurated by Luciano Rispoli, deputy head of mission at the French Embassy to the Sultanate of Oman, and highlighted the deepening cooperation between the two nations and their shared commitment to building a sustainable mobility roadmap for the region. Among them, Dassault Systèmes presented simulation tools that support metro and rail system optimisation. VINCI Construction Grands Projets and RATP Dev shared expertise in large-scale project execution and public transit operations, while others such as Apave, Codra, OXYSIGN, and Saarstahl Rail showcased technologies for maintenance, signage, and safety. As Oman presses ahead with its rail and mobility priorities, the Muscat Metro and Hafeet Rail projects stand out as cornerstones of a smarter, cleaner transport future. With planning and technical groundwork already in motion, and with the backing of specialised international partners, these initiatives reflect Oman's serious intent to become a leader in sustainable mobility and regional connectivity. © Muscat Media Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Times of Oman
22-04-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Muscat Metro, cross-border rail projects key to Oman's long-term mobility goals
MUSCAT: Oman's ambitious drive to overhaul its transport sector is gaining pace, with work progressing on two landmark projects—the Muscat Metro network and the Hafeet Rail link connecting Oman and the UAE. These initiatives, central to the Sultanate's long-term mobility goals, were a key focus of discussions during the Oman-France Rail & Mobility Day held in Muscat on Tuesday. As part of Oman Vision 2040 and the Transport and Logistics Strategy (2021–2025), the Sultanate has committed more than US$4 billion in recent years to modernise its infrastructure—transforming the way people and goods move across the country. The Muscat Metro project, now in the feasibility stage, proposes a 50-kilometre network with 36 stations across the capital. Once operational, it will become Oman's first urban rail system, significantly easing congestion in the capital while promoting more sustainable modes of travel. Designed to support Muscat's growing population and expanding cityscape, the metro is envisioned as a backbone of the city's future transport ecosystem—linking key residential, commercial, and transit hubs. Also moving forward is the Hafeet Rail Project, a cross-border railway that will connect Oman with the United Arab Emirates. The line is expected to streamline the flow of both freight and passengers between economic zones in the two countries, enhancing trade and regional integration. Both projects are being developed with a strong focus on sustainability, multimodal connectivity, and alignment with the broader logistics and economic goals of the Sultanate. In parallel with rail infrastructure, Oman is working to modernise its public transport systems through the introduction of electric buses, improved service integration, and upgraded transit infrastructure—key elements in the shift toward greener mobility solutions. French expertise supports Oman's vision While the focus remains firmly on Oman's strategic goals, the event also underscored the value of international partnerships. Organised by Business France with the support of the French Embassy in Oman, the Oman-France Rail & Mobility Day brought together key Omani institutions including Mwasalat, ASYAD, and the Oman Chamber of Commerce, alongside 13 French companies offering solutions in railway engineering, urban mobility, safety systems, and digital infrastructure. The event was inaugurated by Luciano Rispoli, deputy head of mission at the French Embassy to the Sultanate of Oman, and highlighted the deepening cooperation between the two nations and their shared commitment to building a sustainable mobility roadmap for the region. Among them, Dassault Systèmes presented simulation tools that support metro and rail system optimisation. VINCI Construction Grands Projets and RATP Dev shared expertise in large-scale project execution and public transit operations, while others such as Apave, Codra, OXYSIGN, and Saarstahl Rail showcased technologies for maintenance, signage, and safety. As Oman presses ahead with its rail and mobility priorities, the Muscat Metro and Hafeet Rail projects stand out as cornerstones of a smarter, cleaner transport future. With planning and technical groundwork already in motion, and with the backing of specialised international partners, these initiatives reflect Oman's serious intent to become a leader in sustainable mobility and regional connectivity.
Times of Oman
22-04-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Muscat Metro, cross-border rail projects in focus as Oman pushes sustainable mobility agenda
MUSCAT: Oman's ambitious drive to overhaul its transport sector is gaining pace, with work progressing on two landmark projects—the Muscat Metro network and the Hafeet Rail link connecting Oman and the UAE. These initiatives, central to the Sultanate's long-term mobility goals, were a key focus of discussions during the Oman-France Rail & Mobility Day held in Muscat on Tuesday. As part of Oman Vision 2040 and the Transport and Logistics Strategy (2021–2025), the Sultanate has committed more than US$4 billion in recent years to modernise its infrastructure—transforming the way people and goods move across the country. The Muscat Metro project, now in the feasibility stage, proposes a 50-kilometre network with 36 stations across the capital. Once operational, it will become Oman's first urban rail system, significantly easing congestion in the capital while promoting more sustainable modes of travel. Designed to support Muscat's growing population and expanding cityscape, the metro is envisioned as a backbone of the city's future transport ecosystem—linking key residential, commercial, and transit hubs. Also moving forward is the Hafeet Rail Project, a cross-border railway that will connect Oman with the United Arab Emirates. The line is expected to streamline the flow of both freight and passengers between economic zones in the two countries, enhancing trade and regional integration. Both projects are being developed with a strong focus on sustainability, multimodal connectivity, and alignment with the broader logistics and economic goals of the Sultanate. In parallel with rail infrastructure, Oman is working to modernise its public transport systems through the introduction of electric buses, improved service integration, and upgraded transit infrastructure—key elements in the shift toward greener mobility solutions. French expertise supports Oman's vision While the focus remains firmly on Oman's strategic goals, the event also underscored the value of international partnerships. Organised by Business France with the support of the French Embassy in Oman, the Oman-France Rail & Mobility Day brought together key Omani institutions including Mwasalat, ASYAD, and the Oman Chamber of Commerce, alongside 13 French companies offering solutions in railway engineering, urban mobility, safety systems, and digital infrastructure. The event was inaugurated by Luciano Rispoli, deputy head of mission at the French Embassy to the Sultanate of Oman, and highlighted the deepening cooperation between the two nations and their shared commitment to building a sustainable mobility roadmap for the region. Among them, Dassault Systèmes presented simulation tools that support metro and rail system optimisation. VINCI Construction Grands Projets and RATP Dev shared expertise in large-scale project execution and public transit operations, while others such as Apave, Codra, OXYSIGN, and Saarstahl Rail showcased technologies for maintenance, signage, and safety. As Oman presses ahead with its rail and mobility priorities, the Muscat Metro and Hafeet Rail projects stand out as cornerstones of a smarter, cleaner transport future. With planning and technical groundwork already in motion, and with the backing of specialised international partners, these initiatives reflect Oman's serious intent to become a leader in sustainable mobility and regional connectivity.
Muscat Daily
23-02-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Mwasalat unveils ambitious public transport development strategy
Muscat – Oman National Transport Company (Mwasalat) has announced a comprehensive plan to overhaul the public transport system with the goal of starting work on both the Muscat Metro and water taxi projects by 2026. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance connectivity and promote sustainable transport solutions in Muscat, transforming the city's transportation landscape. At the second meeting of the year, Municipal Council of Muscat Governorate, chaired by Sayyid Saud bin Hilal al Busaidi, Governor of Muscat, discussed the future of public transport in the capital. Mwasalat provided an overview of its strategic plan for developing the public transport system, which covers the period from 2015 to 2040. The company aims to create a safe and accessible network, reduce reliance on private cars and support economic growth. Badr bin Mohammed al Nadabi, CEO of Mwasalat, outlined five key pillars of the plan – public transport legislation, bus transport system, urban transport services, passenger marine transport and railway systems. He explained that the first phase of the plan, which ran from 2015 to 2018, focused on establishing public bus routes, improving taxi operations and enhancing infrastructure. The second phase, ongoing since 2019, involves expanding bus services, creating new routes and constructing additional bus stations. Looking ahead, the third phase, from 2026 to 2040, will see the potential launch of Muscat Metro or light rail system, alongside introduction of water taxis for public transport. Mwasalat's fleet currently includes six ferries, 320 minibuses and 165 large buses. The company has set ambitious targets, including reaching 1mn daily passengers by 2040, achieving carbon neutrality and dedicating 25% of Muscat's main roads to public transport routes. Nadabi also addressed challenges facing the plan, including delays in developing Muscat's main public transport station, setbacks in allocating dedicated lanes for buses, and issues related to traffic signal prioritisation and infrastructure. Additionally, Muscat Municipality unveiled two key projects aimed at improving urban mobility. The first is a bicycle path in the Al Ansab area of Bausher, which will include shaded seating, children's play areas and facilities for people with special needs. The second project is a walkway in Daghmar, Quriyat designed for pedestrians and cyclists. The walkway will feature rest areas, public toilets, bicycle parking and space for mobile vendors.
