Kuwait Launches Gulf Railway Project to Connect Six Gulf Countries

The Gulf Rail Project is a major infrastructure initiative that aims to connect six Gulf countries and improve transportation networks in the region. The project aims to increase regional integration, promote economic cooperation and facilitate regional trade and travel.

First Tender and Design of Kuwait-Oman Railway

In the first phase of the project, the $8 million tender will focus on the design of the railway between Kuwait and Oman. The process will take 12 months to complete the design phase, with the winning bid expected to be announced soon.

Within the scope of the project, contractors will be appointed for the construction, management and supervision of the railway through additional tenders. In addition, consultancy services will be provided for the establishment of the Kuwait Railway Company and the construction of a passenger station in Al-Shadadiyah.

Regional Impacts of the Gulf Railway and Investment Amount

The Gulf Rail will feature a total railway network of 2.177 kilometers connecting Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman and Bahrain. Total construction costs for the project are expected to be $250 billion, which will be distributed proportionally among the participating countries.

Passenger trains will operate at speeds of up to 220 km/h, while freight trains will be able to accelerate to 120 km/h. The railway is expected to be completed by 2030. With this project, transportation integration between the Gulf countries will be strengthened and economic growth will be encouraged.

Other Railway Projects in the Gulf

Alongside the Gulf Rail Project, other rail projects in the region are also progressing rapidly. For example, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Hafeet Rail will connect Abu Dhabi to Sohar Port in Oman, while Etihad Rail plans to build a high-speed rail link between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

These projects demonstrate the region’s commitment to modernizing its transportation infrastructure and its future growth ambitions. The Gulf Rail is at the center of these efforts, aiming to increase regional mobility, promote economic integration and foster stronger ties among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.