MUSCAT : In a recent interview with Radio Muscat FM, the Minister revealed that the study on the Muscat Metro, with an investment value of RO 1 billion, has been finalized and is set to be presented to the Council of Ministers in the near future.

Providing an update during an interview, H.E. Al Maawali emphasized the importance of public transportation, stating that the esteemed Cabinet has entrusted the Ministry with studying the feasibility of the metro project.

“The completion of this study marks a significant milestone in our efforts to address transportation challenges in Muscat,” stated the Minister.

Pointing out the critical need for a robust public transportation system in Muscat, he highlighted the growing traffic congestion and potential future crisis if alternative solutions are not implemented.

“Public transportation is crucial for the sustainable development of our capital city. Without proper investment in mass transit, we risk facing severe congestion and increased travel times in the future,” he stated.

Talking about the urgency of the situation, Minister Al Maawali referenced projections indicating a potential decline in average travel speeds without intervention. “The average speed in Muscat is currently around 55 kilometers per hour, which is acceptable. However, if we don’t take action, a study predicts this will plummet to a mere 27 kilometers per hour by 2030. This is simply unacceptable,” he Minister stated.

While acknowledging the ongoing efforts to expand the Muscat Expressway as a short-term solution, Minister Al Maawali emphasized the need for a more comprehensive approach to address long-term transportation needs. “While these expansion efforts are commendable, they are not sufficient to address future challenges,” he explained.

Looking ahead, H.E. Al Maawali stressed the importance of implementing a robust public transportation system within the next decade. “We need to make significant strides in public transportation between 2025 and 2030 to avoid future crises,” he urged. “A decision must be made soon regarding a major public transportation project for Muscat.”

The proposed Muscat Metro project, expected to be the Sultanate’s first metro system, represents a critical step towards enhancing public transportation infrastructure. However, Ministry officials have indicated that additional improvements to the public transport system are necessary before the metro project can be implemented.

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