Gulf Railway Network (GCC Railway)

Gulf Railway Network (GCC Railway)

The planned railway would begin at Kuwait City, pass through Dammam and Al-Batha Port in Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain in the UAE, and then enter Oman through Sohar before terminating at Muscat. From Dammam, branches will link to Bahrain through the proposed King Hamad Causeway, and to Qatar via Salwa port. The proposed Qatar–Bahrain Causeway between Bahrain and Qatar will provide additional connectivity.

Three stations are proposed to be constructed in Bahrain. After entering Bahrain from Dammam, the first station on the line will be at Khalifa bin Salman Port, followed by stations at the Bahrain International Airport and Amwaj Islands. From Amwaj, the line will head to Qatar.

The following table shows the length of the system in each country:

           Country                        Line Length

• Kuwait                           145 km (90 mi)
• Bahrain                         36 km (22 mi)
• Qatar                             283 km (176 mi)
• Saudi Arabia                 663 km (412 mi)
• United Arab Emirates 684 km (425 mi)
• Oman                            306 km (190 mi)

Gulf Railway Infrastructure

A GCC Rail Authority was proposed to be established to oversee the development of the network. However, no authority to oversee the project has been established, and countries are currently independently carrying out rail projects within their territory.

The Gulf Railway is expected to boost free movement in the GCC by providing unhindered travel from Kuwait to Oman. GCC nationals have visa-free entry to each other's countries. The railway is also expected to boost intra-GCC trade by providing freight transport services. According to Abdul Rahim Hassan Naqi, Secretary General of the Federation of the GCC Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the railway will provide more than 80,000 direct and indirect jobs once it is made operational.

Gulf Railway Rolling Stock

Diesel locomotives will be used on the GCC Railway. Passenger trains will operate at a speed of 220 km/h, while freight trains will be limited to speeds of 80–120 km/h.

Gulf Railway Overview

Gulf Railway Other Name(s): GCC Railway
Gulf Railway Native Name: سكة الحديد الخليجية
Gulf Railway Owner:
Bahrain Rail
Kuwait Rail
Etihad Rail
Oman Rail
Qatar Rail
Saudi Railway Company
Gulf Railway Locale: Gulf Cooperation Council
Gulf Railway Termini:
Kuwait City, Kuwait
Muscat, Oman
Gulf Railway Service Type: Inter-city rail
Gulf Railway Rolling Stock: Diesel locomotives
Gulf Railway Planned Opening: 2023
Gulf Railway Line Length: 2,177 km (1,353 mi)
Gulf Railway Character: At-grade
Gulf Railway Track Gauge: 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge
Gulf Railway Electrification: No
Gulf Railway Operating Speed:
220 km/h (passenger)
80-120 km/h (freight)