Oman’s Ministry of Transport and Communications has signed agreements for the construction and rehabilitation of 11 roads at a cost of RO158.37m ($410.3m) to help develop infrastructure and the national economy.

Agreements include construction of the 45.5km Al Batinah Express Road, 21km from Qumaira to Hail Al Khanabsha, the 12km Dhank-Al Khabib road and a rehabilitation contract for the Wadi Quriyat road. Other contracts include provision for the consultancy services to design, construct, rehabilitate and supervise the remaining projects.

Transport and Communications Minister Dr. Ahmed bin Mohammed al-Futaisi said that H.M Sultan Qaboos Bin Said’s government attaches great importance to sustainable development and that they are closely linked to the growth of other fields.

The Ministry split contracts for 181km of the 265km long Al Batinah Express Road into four packs, with work on the first pack for a 45.5km long section of the express road having already started, he added. The second pack will be tendered soon, while the third and fourth packs are planned for a later stage, he continued.

"The different stages of the road construction will be completed in three years," he concluded.

Of the 11 projects, the Al Batinah Express Road is one of the vital contracts, with the initial 45.5km of the road being constructed by the Galfar Engineering. According to the Oman Observer, the 265km expressway extends from the Muscat Expressway to Khatmat Malaha in the Wilayat of Shinas.

The expressway will have four-lanes on each side and will be the first of its kind in terms of technical specifications. The Ministry has also allocated RO5m ($12.9m) for the construction of dust roads. Oman is also planning many other future projects which are currently not included in this five year plan.