GCC railway to begin full operations by December 2030 as member states sign landmark agreement

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) railway project is set to become fully operational by December 2030, with overall completion currently at 55.92%. This milestone was marked by the signing of a landmark agreement on Sunday in Bahrain, under the leadership of Bahraini Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

The agreement, led by GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi and the transport and communications ministers of the member states, establishes a common framework for coordinating implementation and ensuring integration among the national railway networks of the six Gulf countries.

The agreement represents a major step towards a unified Gulf transportation system, designed to facilitate both passenger and freight movement across the region. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Albudaiwi emphasized the significance of this agreement in strengthening Gulf integration in the transportation sector and creating a coordinated railway system across GCC countries.

He further stated that the agreement will support the operation of an integrated, interoperable, and environmentally friendly railway network, adhering to common technical specifications and safety standards.

The project aims to provide safe, reliable, and economical transportation services for passengers and freight, connecting economic and industrial centers with ports and logistics hubs. This, in turn, is expected to bolster intra-GCC trade, enhance the competitiveness of Gulf economies, and create employment and investment opportunities.

Albudaiwi expressed gratitude to Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the leaders of the GCC member states for their support of this strategic development project, highlighting the expected positive impact on economic development, employment, and social ties among Gulf communities.