Qatar’s Minister of Transport Jassem Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti has said that the construction of the Gulf Railway network linking Saudi Arabia and Qatar is set to begin.
Doha News’ report, citing the minister, said that sponsorship and tenders for the long-awaited railway are expected to be launched this year.
“All necessary groundwork to implement the grand project has been completed, including the detailed engineering designs and work plan,” Al-Sulaiti told Doha News.
Gulf Railway link to ease travel
The 2,177 km Gulf Railway system will connect all six GCC countries in Eastern Arabia. The project, expected to cost $250bn, will be shared by these countries in accordance with the length of the rail network in their territories.
The project was approved in 2009, and was scheduled to be fully completed by 2023.
However, due to several financial challenges, the completion date is not yet certain, the state-news added.
Given their size, the UAE and Saudi Arabia will spend the most on the project, followed by Oman, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain. The first phase of Qatar’s portion of the Gulf Railway network comprises a 143km rail line to its border with Saudi Arabia.
Doha News reported that the railway line connecting Qatar to Saudi Arabia will be used to transport goods and passengers from and to both countries within hours, providing an easier and more efficient way of travel.
Qatar Rail will develop the infrastructure network in Qatar, Etihad Rail in the UAE, and Oman Rail in Oman.
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