Recently, the Gulf Cooperation Council countries signed a major landmark railway agreement. This happened in Bahrain on November 8th. The development comes as the 1,700 km network, which would link all six Gulf states, surpasses 50% completion. Full operations for the network are expected to begin by December 2030. Here’s all you need to know about this major development that would link all six Gulf states.
Major Agreement Signed For The GCC Railway Project
As revealed in a report by Gulf News, the General Agreement for the GCC Railway Project was signed in Manama. This happened at Al Riffa Palace, and it occurred on the sidelines of the 31st meeting of the GCC Ministerial Committee on Transport & Communications.
This move marks a major step in the direction of establishing a unified regional transport network. The meeting was attended by transport and communications ministers from the six member states, along with Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who is the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain and Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, who is the GCC Secretary-General.
The Railway Network Would Connect The GCC Network
It should be noted that the railway project is going to connect the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Bahrain. Additionally, it is expected to transform passenger and freight transport across the region. Not to mention, it would strengthen cross-border connectivity and make regional trade easier. After all, passenger traffic on the network is also expected to increase. Yes, it is expected to rise from six million in 2030 to more than eight million by 2045. As a result, this reflects the growing demand for rail travel between the member states.
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The Railway Project To Strengthen Transport Links
Not only this, but the freight volumes are also predicted to rise to 271 million tonnes by 2045. Additionally, this agreement provides the framework for developing, operating, and integrating the railway network. The focus is on four key pillars of regional connectivity, project implementation, coordination, and technical integration. The railway project is expected to strengthen transport links between the countries. Not to mention, it would also facilitate cross-border movement while supporting economic cooperation.
Once this network becomes operational, it is bound to make travel easier for those who wish to move between the member states
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/Leung Cho Pan (Cover image is for representative purposes only)
FAQs
What is the landmark agreement that the GCC states recently signed?
The GCC states signed an important agreement that advances the railway project, which is expected to be completed by December 2030.
What is the GCC Railway project?
GCC railway project is a 1,700 km rail network. It would link six states once complete.
