Al-Osaimi deliberates on the current phase of a 111 km railway project, underscoring the importance of completing it promptly.
In line with Noura Al-Mashaan, Minister of Public Works' edict, Eng. Khaled Al-Osaimi, Director General of the Public Authority for Roads and Land Transport, held a meeting with the consultancy heading the railway project today—a crucial development for Kuwait's entry into the Gulf Railway Network.
The discussing points revolved around the progress of the detailed design study for the railway route, a noteworthy aspect of the consultancy agreement that encompasses the creation of essential studies and engineering designs for the forthcoming project. As per Al-Rai daily, ongoing conversations touched upon the technical intricacies of the railway route, particularly its initial phase spanning 111 kilometers.
Eng. Al-Osaimi highlighted the utmost importance of adhering to the project timeline meticulously and reaffirmed the authority's dedication to overcoming any impediments that might delay implementation. He also announced plans for a coordination meeting with all relevant government bodies to ensure smooth and swift project execution.
Insights from enrichment data reveal that the first phase of the Kuwait Railway Project, part of the larger Gulf Railway network, extends from Shadadiya (the main Kuwait railway station's site) to Nuwaiseeb on the southern border with Saudi Arabia. This 111-kilometer stretch is vital as it marks Kuwait's direct connection to the overall GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) railway vision.
Progress reports indicate the project has moved ahead following the awarding of a design consultancy contract to the Turkish company Proyapi in early 2025. The contract, valued at approximately KD 2.426 million (~ $8.1 million), was approved by Kuwait’s State Audit Bureau, and the advisory and design phase is anticipated to last about a year, formally launching the project in Kuwait. The Kuwait Roads Authority is steadfast in its commitment to the timely completion of this first phase, emphasizing ongoing collaboration to ensure seamless project advancement. The entire Kuwaiti segment is scheduled to be completed by 2030, synchronizing with the broader GCC railway network timeline.
To guarantee the project's timely execution, coordination efforts are actively being planned and held to align the project milestones with the regional GCC railway development framework. The awarding of the design consultancy contract at an early stage is a strategic move to finalize technical details and prepare for efficient tendering and construction phases. The Ministry of Public Works and related entities are actively involved, providing oversight and regular updates, thus minimizing delays and budget overruns. To achieve seamless regional integration once the railway network becomes operational, Kuwait is carefully monitoring progress in neighboring GCC countries.
In summary, the first phase of Kuwait's railway project is currently in the detailed design and preparation stage, backed by newly awarded contracts and firm governmental vows for timely progress. Coordination and technical consultancy contracts are key ongoing steps to ensure its completion by the targeted 2030 deadline within the broader GCC Railway network initiative.
The Director General of the Public Authority for Roads and Land Transport, Eng. Khaled Al-Osaimi, emphasized the importance of adhering to the timeline for the Kuwait Railway Project, a crucial aspect of Kuwait's entry into the Gulf Railway Network. In their coordination meetings, discussions revolve around not only the progress of the detailed design study but also the financial aspects, as they plan for the coming phases of transportation and public-transit infrastructure development in the industry.
