Bringing a revolutionary transformation to its public transport system, Bahrain is all set to get its Metro as the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications has begun preparations to implement one of the most ambitious projects the Kingdom has ever seen. Going by the initial plans, the Metro network will connect Bahrain International Airport in Muharraq with north of Manama, near the Diplomatic Area, Bahrain Bay, Bab Al Bahrain, Financial Harbor and Seef.

In an exclusive interview with Tribune, Transportation and Telecommunication Minister Kamal Ahmed said the final plans would be ready by July before sending it to the ministerial council. The minister asserted the project will definitely change the social life scenario in Bahrain, especially for the youngsters. “I am sure many youngsters will use Metro trains, taking a break from motoring. We can solve the issue of traffic congestion once it is implemented.” Among other things, Mr Ahmed said the project will create hundreds of jobs in the Kingdom. “Hundreds of jobs will be created as the railway project will be one of the engines of growth in the Kingdom.” Meanwhile, the GCC rail project is progressing at a fast pace. The transport ministers of the GCC member states have agreed upon completing the first phase linking Oman with the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia by December 2021, with Kuwait and Bahrain joining the network by December 2023. The project is estimated to cost $15.4 billion.