The Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology in Muscat has reported a significant increase in the use of electronic services and smart application licenses within the land transport sector. Eng. Khamis bin Mohammed Al Shammakhi, Undersecretary of the Ministry for Transport, stated that since the launch of the “Naql” platform in 2020, over 429,000 electronic transactions have been processed. The platform offers 15 electronic services, including taxi licenses, passenger transport by bus, and freight transport. The platform has issued seven licenses for taxi service applications, two for passenger transport by bus, and five for freight transport. In addition, four licenses have been granted for land transport shelters to provide safe and suitable facilities away from residential areas.
Eng. Al Shammakhi also revealed that the “Naql” platform has witnessed a significant increase in registered vehicles for land transport, surpassing 490,000 vehicles used for both passenger and goods transport. Moreover, the number of passengers transported by these registered vehicles has exceeded 12 million. The Ministry has been closely monitoring and inspecting violations within the land transport sector. Approximately 12,000 violations related to unauthorized passenger transport by expatriates and around 8,000 violations concerning unauthorized freight transport by expatriates have been registered. Eng. Al Shammakhi highlighted the growing trend in the land transport sector and the increasing reliance on electronic services and smart applications by users.
The Ministry’s efforts in regulating the land transport sector have proven successful with the implementation of the “Naql” platform. The platform has streamlined processes and made it easier for individuals and companies to obtain licenses for various services. With the issuance of licenses for taxi, passenger, and freight transport, as well as land transport shelters, the Ministry is paving the way for a more organized and efficient transportation system in Oman. The significant increase in registered vehicles and passengers being transported is a clear indication of the positive impact of these electronic services on the sector.
Eng. Al Shammakhi emphasized the importance of electronic services and smart applications in the land transport sector, noting that users are increasingly relying on these tools for their transportation needs. The convenience and efficiency of electronic services have led to a higher number of transactions being processed through the “Naql” platform. As more individuals and companies realize the benefits of using electronic services, the Ministry expects to see continued growth and development in the land transport sector. The Ministry’s focus on monitoring and inspecting violations also ensures that the sector operates in a safe and regulated manner, benefitting both users and operators.
