$250 billion Gulf Railway ranked third largest mega-project in the world, according to Statista

TDT | Manama

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The Gulf Railway project, with an estimated cost of $250 billion, has been crowned the third largest mega-project globally, according to Statista, a leading market data provider.

Only the Trans-European Transport Network ($600 billion) and NEOM City ($500 billion) surpass this ambitious undertaking, which is slated for completion by 2030.

This ranking underscores the region’s commitment to infrastructure development, with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) projects accounting for a remarkable 50% of Statista’s top 8 mega-projects worldwide.

The Gulf Railway will span 21 km into Saudi Arabia and 24 km into Bahrain, crossing the King Hamad Causeway.

This line will ultimately integrate with the planned Gulf Railway Network, which will begin in Kuwait, passing through Dammam to the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Border crossing

From Dammam, it will continue to Qatar via the Salwa border crossing, connecting Qatar to Bahrain.

The line will then extend from Saudi Arabia to the United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, ultimately reaching Muscat via the Wilayat of Suhar. Momentum is clearly building for railway projects in the region.

In early May 2023, the Saudi Arabia Railways Company and the Public Transport Authority appointed Systra, a French company, to conduct a feasibility study for a high-speed railway line connecting Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

Tenders

Tenders are currently underway for the study, detailed design services, and civil works packages for this crucial link.

To ensure seamless integration and operation, a GCC Railways Authority has been established to coordinate efforts between member states.

A joint venture between Oman Rail and Etihad Rail has also been formed to implement and operate the line connecting Suhar and Abu Dhabi.