MUSCAT: The Sultanate of Oman continues to advance its transport infrastructure, with significant road projects slated for completion in 2025 under the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology’s ambitious five-year development plan. These initiatives aim to enhance connectivity between governorates, promote economic diversification, and support tourism and logistics.
Eng Yousef bin Abdullah al Mujaini, Director General of Roads and Land Transport at the Ministry, highlighted the importance of these projects, emphasising their role in fostering national growth. "Opening roads is not merely about infrastructure; it’s about unlocking economic, tourism, and logistical opportunities that are vital to Oman’s broader development goals," he said.
The Ministry, in coordination with the Tender Board, awarded road projects worth over RO 300 million in 2024. These projects cover various governorates and are designed to meet international technical standards.
Among the key projects is the Sultan Said bin Taimur Road (Adam-Thumrait) dual carriageway. Spanning from Haima to Thumrait, the project includes comprehensive traffic safety features such as iron barriers, lane markings, and culverts. Three contractors have been awarded packages, with work expected to commence in the first quarter of 2025.
Another critical project is the Sultan Taimur bin Faisal Road (Al Batinah Coastal Road), which is progressing rapidly, with a completion rate of 4 per cent. Construction is aligned with a detailed timeline to ensure timely delivery.
In Musandam Governorate, the Sultan Faisal bin Turki Road (Daba-Lima-Khasab) is advancing at a completion rate of 27 per cent. Temporary dirt roads have been fully opened to facilitate contractor activities. Once completed, this project will streamline traffic flow across Musandam’s wilayats and boost economic and tourism activities in the region.
Work on the Sultan Turki bin Said Road (Eastern Expressway) has also made progress, with 20 per cent of the project completed. A 4-kilometre segment connecting Al Kamil and Al Wafi to Tahwa is now open to traffic.
Meanwhile, the Wadi Bani Khalid Road project has entered its design phase, expected to last six months. The new road will replace the current route and reduce slopes to improve safety and accessibility.
Additionally, the connection between Sultan Qaboos bin Said Road (Al Batinah General Road) and Al Batinah Expressway is 90 pe rcent complete. The project is expected to be fully operational by mid or late 2025.
By the end of 2024, Oman had paved 16,000 kilometres of roads, with plans to extend this to 17,000 kilometers in the coming years. The Ministry remains committed to rehabilitating and upgrading existing roads to meet evolving transport demands.
Eng. Al Mujaini underscored the strategic significance of these projects. "Each road we build or improve represents a step toward achieving Oman’s Vision 2040. These roads are gateways to economic growth, tourism development, and enhanced logistics efficiency," he stated.
Through its robust road network expansion, Oman is not just connecting its regions but also laying the foundation for a diversified and resilient economy. — ONA
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