Trains back on track in Oman?

Muscat: A “light rail” network could be built in Muscat within a decade, if private sector shows an interest in helping to fund it, Oman’s Minister of Transport and Communication has said.
Dr Ahmed Al Futaisi was unveiling the country’s long-term transport strategy, which is to be rolled out from 2017 to 2025, and aims to upgrade the Sultanate’s transport network.
The ministry aims to create better bus services, rail networks and sea taxis, to allow for faster and more efficient travel across the country. They are also open to trains operating in Oman.
“We hope that in three years, plans will be drawn up and visualised for trains in Muscat,” he said, “but with regards to a metro, we have not gone in-depth, unless we propose light rail to the private sector and they show interest in developing it.
“We are open to other companies developing public transport in the country,” he added.
“We are hoping, through these phases, that we will gain clarity on the Light Rail project, and how to start it.
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“During phase three of the plan, seven years from now, the ministry would consider “developing the light train transit (LRT), sea taxis (sea public service) and rapid bus transit.”
“There will be studies towards lines to other GCC countries and the UAE,” the minister added, as he outlined ambitious plans to connect every town and city in the Sultanate to a transport grid of the future.
Bus lanes, park and ride schemes, more buses and up to 7,000 jobs are expected to be created under the blueprint – set to drive the economy forward.
Actual work on the light rail network, however, could take longer.
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“We don’t see implementation of light rail in the next five or seven years.”
“With regards to the environment, the strategy hopes to reduce the number of cars on the road, as well as decrease pollution levels,” explained Al Futaisi.
“Our network of roads has connected the whole country. However, experts have indicated that in cities around the world, reducing traffic and overcrowding must be achieved through public transport,” he added.
It is a move that Yusra Jaffer of the Environmental Society of Oman favours.
Advantages
“One of the biggest advantages would be, obviously if we are sharing cars, or using fewer vehicles, then there will be less carbon emissions and that will hopefully reduce the impact on climate change and pollution. So we very much favour the increase of public transportation in Oman,” she said.
Residents in Oman are looking forward to the positive impact of this transport overhaul.
“The initiative of introducing high quality Mwasalat buses has given a huge boost to the public transport system,” said Ajay Saxena.
“All the major cities have implemented a metro network and it has played a huge role in public transportation. This will also attract investors and help in the overall growth of the country.”
Cut pollution
“It would be great to reduce pollution and increase movement of people,” added Jeevan Toprani. “It would bring progress all over Oman, and the innovation and technology this brings will reduce transport costs and give jobs to lots of Omanis,” while Fayaz Afridi added, “If a light train system is brought in, then it would reduce pollution and make life easy for people. It’s also of great advantage for tourists.”

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