RO 186 Million Road Projects Awarded: What This Means for Infrastructure Investment and Business Growth in Oman
MUSCAT: The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MoTCIT), in collaboration with the Projects, Tenders and Local Content Authority, has awarded contracts for two significant road infrastructure projects valued at over RO 186.3 million. These projects involve the expansion of the Muscat Expressway and the dualisation of a crucial road in Ibra.
Eng Khamis bin Mohammed al Shammakhi, Under-Secretary of MoTCIT for Transport, stated that these initiatives are part of the ministry’s strategy to enhance the efficiency of the national road network in response to urban growth and increasing population demands. The projects aim to improve connectivity between governorates while ensuring safer and more effective transport infrastructure.
The largest investment, exceeding RO 157.2 million, is allocated to the Muscat Expressway expansion, which extends from the Al Qurum Natural Park intersection to the Halban intersection. This project includes converting the Al Qurum Natural Park and Saih Al Malih roundabouts into signalised intersections to facilitate better traffic flow. Additionally, the road segment between Saih Al Malih and Halban will be widened and upgraded to strengthen links with the Al Batinah Expressway.
Further works will enhance bridge access by adding lanes, creating dual lanes in each direction at multiple entry and exit ramps. A new direct exit will be constructed at the Al Rusayl Bridge for vehicles traveling from Muscat towards the Burj Al Sahwa roundabout, aimed at reducing congestion on this heavily trafficked route.
Additional overpasses will be built to separate traffic flows at key junctions, including a two-lane flyover from Ruwi to the Muscat Expressway and another at Al Khoudh 6, facilitating smoother access to Al Kitab Roundabout.
The design also permits vehicles traveling from Al Dakhiliyah Governorate to Suhar to bypass oncoming traffic, enhancing safety and minimizing bottlenecks. Complementary improvements along the CD-Road from Al Ghubra to Al Maabela will ease entry and exit maneuvers from overpasses onto the main carriageway.
Separately, the Ibra road dualisation project covering the Al Yahmadi–Al Qufaisi section has been awarded at RO 29.1 million. This project is expected to improve traffic flow and reinforce road connectivity within Al Sharqiyah North Governorate and surrounding areas.
Eng Badr bin Salim al Maamari, Chairman of the Projects, Tenders and Local Content Authority, highlighted that these projects underscore the government’s ongoing commitment to developing the road sector as a vital component of economic growth and comprehensive development.
Upon completion, the projects are anticipated to increase road capacity, reduce peak-hour congestion, boost safety standards, and shorten travel times across critical transport corridors. — ONA
Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman’s Market
The awarding of over RO 186 million to expand the Muscat Expressway and dualise the Ibra road signals significant infrastructure investment aimed at easing congestion, enhancing safety, and boosting connectivity across key economic regions. For businesses, this creates opportunities in logistics, real estate development, and local supply chains, while smart investors should consider the increasing value of commercial and industrial ventures along these improved transport corridors. Entrepreneurs can strategically position themselves to serve the growing demand for transport-related services and urban development fueled by improved accessibility.
