The Muscat Governorate in Oman is considering the feasibility of introducing a metro system to enhance public transportation in the capital city. Hamood Musabah Al Alawi, Metro Project Manager and Head of Railways at the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, believes that the metro project could have a transformative impact on the city’s development if integrated efficiently into the existing transportation system. The feasibility study for the Muscat Metro project is expected to be completed by the end of the year, providing insight into the future of this groundbreaking initiative.
Al Alawi emphasized the importance of public understanding and patience, as the implementation of a metro system will face challenges in congested urban areas. Collaboration with stakeholders, including the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning overseeing the Greater Muscat Structure Plan, will be crucial for the success of the project. The completion of the pre-feasibility study is the first step, followed by detailed feasibility and financial studies, which could take between 12 to 18 months. The Muscat Metro project is considered a prestigious endeavor that will play a vital role in enabling major developments in the city.
In order to achieve the goals outlined in the Greater Muscat plan, the Muscat Metro project should be complemented by other forms of public transport to increase accessibility and provide a reliable alternative to private cars. Challenges such as climate conditions and network accessibility need to be addressed to promote the uptake of public transport services, once the metro system becomes operational. The project team will draw inspiration from successful metro initiatives in other GCC countries, while also ensuring that the design of Oman’s first metro system remains true to its Omani identity.
As the Muscat Metro project progresses, lessons learned from successful metro systems in Dubai, Doha, and Riyadh will be incorporated into the design process. Additionally, public transportation initiatives in countries like Morocco and India will be studied to further enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Muscat Metro. The ultimate goal is to create a Metro system that is uniquely tailored to Oman’s needs and priorities, providing residents with a safe, reliable, and efficient mode of transportation in the capital city.
