Oman plans to set up metro rail network
Plans are underway to set up a metro network that will connect Ruwi and Muttrah to Muscat International Airport and Seeb.
The metro will be one of the main transport arteries of a new, revitalised Muscat, which will have Ghala as the centre of its commercial activities, as per the Oman National Spatial Strategy blueprint that looks at the planning of the country’s cities for the next 20 years. The network is part of the Urban Revitalisation and Regeneration Projects (URRP).
The URPP will focus on areas such as Muttah and Ruwi. Areas that could be subject to expansion projects include the Airport Zone and Ghala, research facilities in places such as Al Khoud and Halban and industrial zones in Misfah and Rusayl.
Development of metro stations will also augur similar developmental plans around it such as retail stores, offices and residential pockets. Plans have also been envisaged to convert the Wadis spread in Muscat to be turned into interesting recreational places such as parks and walkways.
The ONSS plans in the pipeline also include passenger rail service apart from the metro, that will connect Seeb to Sohar, the capital of the North Al Batinah Governorate, providing easier access to the towns in between.
