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Metro rail will change face of Muscat: Official

As part of the urban strategy, plans are underway to start a metro network that will connect passengers between Ruwi and Seeb.

TAS News Service

info@thearabianstories.com

Tuesday, July 27, 2021


MUSCAT
: A light metro rail network connecting people from Ruwi to Seeb will change the face of Muscat Governorate, according to a top official at the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning. 

The ambitious plan is envisioned in the Oman National Spatial Strategy (ONSS) , which is the blueprint for leading Oman’s urban development for the next 20 years.  

As part of the strategy, Ghala will be the new hub for commercial activities, while other areas that will have improved facilities and features include Al Khoud, Halban, and industrial areas in Misfah and Rusayl. 

Speaking exclusively to The Arabian Stories, a top official at the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning said: “The blueprint is for the next 20 years which will reshape the country’s urban needs that includes a light rail network connecting people from cities,” he said. 

The major highlight in ONSS is the passenger rail line that will connect passengers between Seeb and Sohar and a light metro linking Ruwi and Seeb. “This will certainly change the face of Muscat in general,” he said. 

Based on the National Urban Strategy that is drawn in line with the 2040 Vision, Muscat will be developed as a global city by 2040 with a population of 2.5 million and a workforce of 2.3 million people. The national workforce will be 1.7 million – 75% Omanis and 25% expatriates. 

The ONSS plan is divided into four years for each governorates and the Ministry is expected to set the plans in the coming months. 

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