The Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (MoHUP) in Muscat announced on Monday that the routes for the Muscat Metro, the first-ever mass transit network in the capital city of the Sultanate of Oman, have been finalized. This milestone comes as part of the Greater Muscat master plan, which aims to provide a world-class urban transport system to accommodate population growth, attract investments, enhance the economy, and develop an integrated and multi-modal transportation network.
During a workshop organized by MoHUP to discuss the Greater Muscat master plan, Ibrahim bin Hamoud al Waeli, the Executive Director of Urban Strategy, revealed that the master plan is in its final stages of preparation and design. It is expected to enter the implementation phase early next year upon approval from the competent authorities.
Al Waeli highlighted several themes covered in the master plan. The first theme focuses on systematic urban expansion, emphasizing the importance of greenery, landscaping, and protection against climatic conditions. He also emphasized the significance of Muscat Metro, stating that the routes have been carefully planned to achieve specific objectives, such as minimizing compensations, ensuring easy access, and strategically locating main stations throughout Muscat. Additionally, the plan includes provisions for expansion beyond the metro course, including express buses and other transportation modes to complement the metro system.
Earlier this year, the Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology (MoTCIT) invited qualified international consultants to bid for the advisory services contract associated with the Muscat Metro project. Al Waeli revealed that another project under consideration is the Bausher-Al Amerat tunnel, which is currently being studied by relevant departments, including Muscat Municipality and the Ministry of Finance.
The Greater Muscat master plan aims to upgrade services, strengthen infrastructure, and preserve the environment while considering population density and job distribution. It emphasizes the integration of human activity with the public transport network. Furthermore, the plan aims to meet urban and economic requirements by developing projects within urban boundaries and ensuring the availability of basic services.
Regarding land use in the economic sector, the master plan introduces the concept of “economic blocs.” These include the innovation and knowledge bloc, represented by Knowledge Oasis Muscat, Sultan Qaboos University, and Al Rusayl. The “industrial and logistic sectors bloc” encompasses areas such as Khazaen, Ruwi, Al Misfah, and Al Rusayl. The “tourism and economy bloc” covers Muscat, Muttrah, Al Khoudh, the Airport zone, and the sector of food industries in Barka.
Furthermore, the master plan explores the conversion of valley beds or Wadis into public spaces while ensuring their development aligns with nature. Four out of the twelve valleys in the area will receive particular attention in this regard.
The progress made in finalizing the Muscat Metro routes and the development of the Greater Muscat master plan exemplify the commitment of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning to improve the quality of life, promote sustainable development, and foster economic growth in the capital city of Oman.