RO 1.2 billion road projects to enhance national connectivity

MUSCAT: In a significant boost to infrastructure development and economic growth, the Sultanate of Oman announced the implementation of a massive package of road projects exceeding RO 1.2 billion, reflecting the government's commitment to enhancing national connectivity and fostering sustainable development.
During the 14th regular session of the Majlis Ash'shura, Eng Said bin Hamoud al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, affirmed that the roads sector is witnessing the implementation of several high-quality strategic projects distributed across the country. They include new roads, the upgrading and rehabilitation of existing roads, particularly those affected by climatic factors or those that have reached the end of their lifespan, in addition to routine road maintenance projects overseen by the Ministry.
The Eleventh Five-Year Plan for the roads sector focuses on completing ongoing projects, including the implementation of new projects during 2026, such as the dual carriageway expansion of main roads and the rehabilitation and upgrading of several vital routes.
The Ministry aims to open and operate a package of strategic road projects by 2026, including the expansion of the Muscat Expressway from the Al Qurum Natural Park intersection to the Halban intersection. The primary objective of the redesign is to achieve a solution that will prevent current congestion levels from recurring for at least 25 years. The study results also revealed that the core of the problem lies not only in the number of lanes but also in the design of exits and entrances; and in the intersections between vehicles. These intersections lead to a cascade of decelerations, which then escalate into widespread traffic jams. The new design, which begins in Al Qurum and extends to Halban, addresses this issue by separating traffic flows, improving the efficiency of exits and entrances; and increasing the number of lanes in certain locations as needed.
This is in addition to strategic projects such as the dual carriageway project for the Ibra Road (Al-Yahmedi-Al-Qafisi), at a cost of RO 186.3 million. Eng Khamis bin Mohammed al Shammakhi, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology for Transport, previously stated that awarding the Muscat Expressway expansion project and the Ibra Road dual carriageway project represents a strategic step within the Ministry's plans to enhance the efficiency of the main road network, keep pace with rapid urban and population growth, improve connectivity between governorates and provide a safe transportation environment.
According to the State Budget Guide for the fiscal year 2026, the Eleventh Five-Year Development Plan will complete the implementation of ongoing development projects from the Tenth Five-Year Plan. The State Budget for 2026 has allocated approximately RO 900 million for annual spending on development projects, including the roads sector.
These projects include completing: the dual carriageway of the Al-Ansab-Al-Jafnain road; Sultan Turki bin Said Road (the Eastern Expressway from Al Kamil W'al Wafi to Sur); dual carriageway of the Raysut-Al-Mughsail road; dual carriageway of the Sultan Said bin Taimur Road (Adam-Thamrait); Harweeb-Mitan road in the Dhofar Governorate; and dual carriageway of the Farq-Heritage District-Nizwa road, in addition to widening the Muscat Expressway.
These massive investments underscore the Sultanate of Oman's advanced standing in road quality, ranking eighth globally and second in the Arab world according to the World Economic Forum's 2024 ranking. This reflects its commitment to implementing the highest international standards in developing a safe and sustainable road network.