Kuwait on Track: GCC Railway Project Aims to Boost Regional Economy
KUWAIT CITY, Kuwait: Kuwait is setting its sights on a strategic role in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) with its participation in the ambitious GCC Railway project. This mega-project aims to connect all six GCC member states by rail, fostering economic integration and sustainable development across the region.
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Spanning a massive 2,217 kilometers, the GCC Railway project is an ambitious undertaking that aims to connect Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Qatar by rail. With extensions reaching Abu Dhabi, Al-Ain, and Muscat, this network aspires to revolutionize trade within the GCC. First proposed in 2009, the project goes beyond just passenger travel. It envisions a future of smoother trade flows, easier movement of citizens between GCC countries, and a boost for collaborative business ventures in the region.
Kuwait’s Role:
- Kuwait’s Public Authority for Roads and Transportation (PART) is leading the country’s section of the project.
- Benefits include reduced road maintenance costs, lower fuel emissions, job creation, and urban development.
- A feasibility study, completed and revised in 2012 and 2016, proposes a public-private partnership for execution.
Progress and Timeline:
- International bids for construction are under review, with a final decision expected in the coming months.
- Completion of Kuwait’s section is targeted for 2030.
- The initial section will run from Al-Nuwaiseeb to Al-Shidadiah, with trains reaching speeds of 200 kilometers per hour.
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Regional Developments:
- The UAE has completed its section reaching the Saudi border.
- A 303-kilometer link between Abu Dhabi and Sahar in Oman is under construction.
- Qatar has finalized designs for its domestic section, and Bahrain plans a bridge connection to Saudi Arabia.
Beyond the extensive GCC Railway network, Kuwait is also forging a closer connection with its neighbor, Saudi Arabia. A dedicated high-speed rail line is planned to zip passengers between Kuwait City and Riyadh, dramatically slashing travel time between the two capitals. This direct link promises to further strengthen ties between the countries and potentially open new avenues for business and tourism.
The GCC Railway isn’t just tracks on the ground; it’s a potential economic game-changer for the entire region. By stitching together the GCC countries, this project has the power to completely transform how business is done. Kuwait’s involvement as a key player ensures it will have a prime seat at the table for this economic boom, reaping the benefits of smoother trade, increased collaboration, and a more integrated GCC, reported KUNA.
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