The GCC network will have two rail lines, one that will connect all GCC countries and Qatar via a bridge and another that will stretch between Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and end in Oman. Kuwait is planning a 1,500 kilometers railway line linking its border with Iraq down the Gulf coast to the Omani port of Salah on the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula. Bahrain is planning a USD 8 billion railway project stretching 184 kilometers.

The much talked about 2,117 kilometers rail network, starting in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia is likely to be completed by 2017 to unite the Gulf. The GCC railway is the most ambitious project attempted in the region. It would change the transportation pattern in the GCC. Train services across the 6 GCC states will facilitate movement and travel of GCC citizens as well as expatriates and boost regional trade.

Once the green light is given, the massive rail project will go ahead to the network construction phase and tenders could be called as early as possible to develop the designs of the project. Despite all political, financial and regulatory challenges behind the railway project, getting government approval and consensus remains the most immediate obstacle to progress on the project.

By the time the project is completed, the railway will connect six countries, five capital cities and two seas and cross three deserts two waterways and a mountain range. The project also includes bridges, causeways, tunnels and cutting more than 21 kilometers long.

The challenging engineering project will start in the north at Kuwait's border with Iraq and head south through Kuwait City, across the Dibdibah plain and into Saudi Arabia. The route will then follow the Gulf coast to the rail head of the kingdom at Ras Al Zour, Jubail Industrial city and Dammam the eastern terminus of Saudi Arabia's only functioning railway now almost 60 years old.

Mr Mohammad Bin Obaid Al Mazroui GCC assistant secretary general for economic affairs said that six companies would be shortlisted to carry out the railway project. The six GCC countries will be responsible for developing their sections of the rail line independently. However, the companies chosen to execute the project on their territory should all abide by unified standards and specifications. The Phase II of the project has been finalized and report will be submitted in the meeting that the project is feasible and ready to invite bids.

(Sourced from Gulf News)