Oman plans countrywide passenger railway network

  • Date: 28-Jul-2021
  • Source: Times of Oman
  • Sector:Economy
  • Country:Oman
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Oman plans countrywide passenger railway network

Muscat: Plans are being drawn up for a rail network connecting Seeb in Muscat to Sohar, to help boost connectivity between the two cities. The passenger railway is part of the Oman National Spatial Strategy (ONSS), a blueprint that looks at the planning of Oman's cities for the next 20 years. The strategy is a framework to control and direct urban growth, to improve connectivity between cities, and maximise opportunities to invest in the potential of governorates. The rail line will also feed directly into a metro, which has been planned for Muscat, where it is expected to ply from Muttrah to Seeb. The upgraded transport facilities are part of the ONSS plan of developing "multiple means of transportation, and to encourage movement without using private vehicles," said a recent report. "Muscat is an urban city of global importance with sustainable qualities, based on Omani values and culture," added the report, which said the capital will have an "urban pattern alternating between medium and high density areas." As part of the redevelopment of the capital, Ghala will be the centre of its commercial activities, with revitalisation for Muttrah and Ruwi also planned. The ONSS also looks at "allocating financial and