Six Gulf countries signed an agreement in Bahrain to integrate their national railways into a common regional network. The framework covers technical compatibility, safety and the responsibilities of participating countries. The Gulf Cooperation Council put completion at 55.9 per cent and retained December 2030 as its target, with passenger and freight services planned across the member states.
The six members of the Gulf Cooperation Council signed a general agreement for their regional railway in Manama, Bahrain, on November 8. The agreement establishes a shared framework for connecting national railway systems and operating them as an integrated network. Bahrain’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa attended the signing ceremony.[1], [2]
Participating countries’ responsibilities, technical specifications and safety requirements are covered by the agreement, alongside the implementation and operating timetable. National railway systems are to use compatible operating arrangements. Member states will coordinate with the Gulf Cooperation Council Railways Authority on progress and obstacles to implementation. The council’s secretary general, Jasem Al-Budaiwi, said the agreement supported a single regional network that can operate across national borders.[1]
The council put project completion at 55.9 per cent and retained December 2030 as its target. The route starts in Kuwait, passes through Saudi Arabia to Bahrain and includes connections from Saudi Arabia to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates before continuing to Oman. Passenger trains have a design speed of 200 kilometres per hour; freight services are designed for 80–120 kilometres per hour. Member states intend the railway to facilitate movements of passengers and goods and connect logistics centres and ports.[1]
