Bahrain expects landmark GCC railway agreement to be signed on Sunday, minister says

Bahrain anticipates a historic GCC railway agreement to be finalized during a transport ministers' meeting in Manama on November 8, according to the country's Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, Sheikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa. The minister described the accord as the most critical achievement at GCC level for the railway initiative, attributing its success to extensive coordination among member states and their respective ministries and authorities.

The railway network, spanning approximately 2,100 kilometers, aims to interconnect Kuwait in the north to Oman in the south, facilitating both passenger and freight transportation. This endeavor seeks to bolster regional commerce, facilitate the movement of goods, and enhance connectivity among Gulf markets. The United Arab Emirates has already initiated its national railway network, while Oman is advancing its cross-border link with the UAE via the 238km Hafeet Rail project.

The railway project, first conceived over a decade ago, is anticipated to commence trial operations in 2027 and is slated for completion by 2030. For Bahrain, integration into the regional network hinges on the establishment of a railway connection with Saudi Arabia through the proposed King Hamad Causeway, a new fixed link designed to accommodate both road and railway traffic.

Sheikh Abdulla emphasized that the GCC Railways Authority, headquartered in Riyadh, collaborates with member states to harmonize technical specifications, deliver required technical support, and maintain the project's progress. The Iran war and the resulting shipping disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz have underscored the project's significance, as Gulf nations strive to establish alternative transport routes and safeguard regional supply chains against future disruptions.