Majlis hosts transport minister

It reviewed the general features of the airport projects. The ministry started rebuilding infrastructure of airports, including establishing Muscat International Airport and Salalah Airport as well as regional airports in Ras Al Hadd, Duqm and Suhar.

Dr Al Futaisi said the penetration rate of mobile services was 155.87 per cent, with 7,136,173 million subscribers, while landlines accounted for 82.99 per cent.

The penetration rate of mobile broadband service (3G and above) was 95 per cent of the total population.

The percentage of broadband via fibre optic was 22 per cent across governorates.

A total of 44 per cent of homes were covered in the Governorate of Muscat alone.

The number of users of fibre optic network provided by Oman Broadband Company reached 40,000.

The number of government institutions connected to the government network reached 19.

The ministry said Oman Railway was studying the development of a local railway line called the ‘Metal Line’, which aims to facilitate the transport of mineral materials (gypsum and limestone) from Al Shuwaimiyah, Dhofar Governorate, via Duqm Port for export. The length of the line is 375 km. A Royal Decree has been issued declaring the project a public utility.

The route will be designed to be operated within the GCC states.

The Public Authority for Mining and Oman Minerals Development Company is studying the quantity of minerals in the zone and examining the economic feasibility of building the rail line.

After the minister delivered the statement, a number of questions were raised by the Majlis members on the development of infrastructure and roads in different governorates as well as the ministry’s plans to develop airports and seaports.

They also enquired about the impact of privatisation of public transport sector on the taxi drivers.

Replying to a Suhar representative who suggested transforming Suhar airport into an international one, the minister said the airport was indeed an international airport with airlines such as AirArabia and Qatar Airways operating from it.

“We are also looking at making Sohar airport operate at night,” Dr Al Futaisi explained.

The minister also said there are plans to extend ports, starting with the Sultan Qaboos Port which will be submitted to an external developer in conjunction with Oman Tourism Development Company (Omran).

The Majlis Ash’shura will further discuss the statement of the minister on Monday.