Since the establishment of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in 1982, Gulf States are striving to achieve the Council’s goals of unity and joint Gulf action in order to achieve the hopes and aspirations of their peoples of enjoying economic prosperity and well-being. The member states of the Council embarked on several plans in different fields of which some have already been implemented and some other giant projects are underway including projects connecting the Gulf States via national freight, passenger and cargo railways.
Such mega projects, along their economic benefits for the member states, enhance unity and cooperation in all vital fields and reduce reliance on oil further encouraging economic integrations and diversification. Inspired by a vision to enhance Gulf unity and economic integration, Ministers of Transport and Communication of the GCC countries, members of the Ministerial Committee of Transportation, yesterday approved the timetable for the founding phase of the GCC Railways Authority.
It was approved in an extraordinary meeting held via video conference and chaired by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where the meeting discussed implementing the decision of the 42nd session of the Supreme Council of the (GCC) approving the establishment of the GCC Railways Authority. Documents related to the GCC Railways Authority and the timetable for starting its work was also discussed, and the necessary steps were agreed upon during the founding phase, which extends for 12 months.
Realising the importance of such a rail network, Qatar Rail was already working to enhance interconnection and is working to develop cargo transportation at Hamad Port - the country’s main seaport.
Qatar Rail also has the project of ‘Long Distance Rail’ which will not only connect Qatari cities and residential areas, but will connect Qatar’s population with the rest of the Gulf countries through the proposed regional rail network.
The State of Qatar is well-aware of the importance of developing the railway infrastructure for making the country a hub of global events such as the World Cup and also on the grounds that rail industry can play key role in diversification of economies and in GDP growth.
The GCC Railway project will not only reduce the region’s reliance on oil but will also create an efficient affordable public transport systems to support implementation of growth and development plans over the next decade. The importance of the railway project is not limited to its economic impacts and boosting infrastructure developments but it also extends to environmental benefits reducing pollution created by vehicles and air transports, while well-connecting the member states which have already undertaken various rail related projects.
