Muscat – Oman is moving towards a fully integrated and eco-friendly transport system as the government steps up efforts to modernise mobility, cut carbon emissions and strengthen the sultanate’s position as a regional logistics hub under Oman Vision 2040. In an interview with Muscat Daily, Haitham Ahmed al Zadjali, Director of the Land Transport Department […]

Muscat – Oman is moving towards a fully integrated and eco-friendly transport system as the government steps up efforts to modernise mobility, cut carbon emissions and strengthen the sultanate’s position as a regional logistics hub under Oman Vision 2040.

In an interview with Muscat Daily, Haitham Ahmed al Zadjali, Director of the Land Transport Department at the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, said the national roadmap is centred on integrating roads, public transport, railways and ports through smart and sustainable solutions.

The strategy includes development of multimodal transport hubs, expanded public transport networks, unified digital ticketing systems, electric vehicle (EV) initiatives and stronger public-private partnerships aimed at improving connectivity, efficiency and quality of life across governorates. “Our objective is to establish a modern, integrated transport system that supports economic growth and fulfils the ambitions of Vision 2040,” Zadjali said.

He explained that the roadmap is built on three main pillars: upgrading land, sea and rail infrastructure; strengthening integration between different modes of transport; and accelerating digital transformation across the sector.

Addressing challenges facing the sector, Zadjali noted that the ministry is working to overcome fragmentation among transport operators and differences in operating systems, alongside addressing financing constraints and the need for specialised technical expertise.

“We are developing smart infrastructure that enables seamless connectivity and operational efficiency, in close cooperation with our partners in both the public and private sectors,” he said.

A key component of the roadmap is establishment of intermodal transport hubs that link buses, railways and seaports. These hubs will combine passenger transport, parking and logistics facilities in a single location, enabling smoother movement of people and goods.

The ministry is also developing a unified digital ticketing system that will allow passengers to move between different transport modes using a single ticket, supported by synchronised timetables to reduce waiting times and enhance the user experience.

Design work and coordination with relevant authorities are under way to identify suitable locations for these hubs. The first integrated hub will be developed in Liwa, North Batinah adjacent to a proposed railway station, and will serve as a pilot model for similar projects nationwide.

Zadjali highlighted the Omani-Gulf Railway project as a landmark initiative that will significantly enhance connectivity between GCC countries while improving the movement of goods and passengers within Oman.

The railway is expected to reduce heavy vehicle traffic on roads, lower carbon emissions, improve road safety and create new investment opportunities in logistics and related sectors.

Several transport projects are progressing across governorates, including new bus stations and interchange centres, expansion of regional road networks linking inland cities with ports and airports, and the extension of public transport services to wilayats such as Nizwa, Suhar and Sur.

The planned Liwa integrated station, he said, will play a central role as a logistics hub connecting road, rail and bus networks, while supporting nearby industrial zones and the port in Suhar.

“Our aim is to create an integrated environment that facilitates trade and logistics and strengthens Oman’s competitiveness within regional and global supply chains,” Zadjali said.

On the digital front, the ministry is implementing several initiatives, including the unified electronic ticketing system and smart transport management applications that enable real-time tracking of buses. Big data analytics are also being deployed to enhance operational efficiency, alongside integration with e-government platforms to streamline licensing and regulatory procedures.

Sustainability remains at the core of the strategy. Efforts are under way to convert government vehicle fleets to EVs as part of Oman’s target to reduce carbon emissions by 3% by 2030. In partnership with the private sector, EV charging stations are being installed at key locations nationwide.

Around 160 EV charging stations have already been deployed, while pilot electric buses are currently undergoing testing. Zadjali added that Oman’s stable investment environment –  supported by legal guarantees, incentives and emphasis on public-private partnership –  continues to attract strong interest in the transport and logistics sector.

Highlights

            •           Roads, rail, ports to be linked via smart mobility

            •           Intermodal hubs planned; first one in Liwa

            •           Unified digital ticketing across transport modes

            •           Railways to cut emissions, boost logistics

            •           EV rollout under way; 160 chargers installed