Inter-GCC rail network by 2017

After the inaugural session of the 31^st GCC Summit, while reading out the council progress report, Al Attiya said the proposed inter-GCC rail network that will be developed with an estimated cost of $30 billion will be completed by the end of 2017. He said initial works on the project have already been started.

The rail network will have both passenger and cargo train tracks to help further boost the common economy of the region.

Saying the project is one of the many joint initiatives, the outgoing GCC Secretary-General said: “We have to continue our efforts with greater cooperation in all fields as we have already established in 2003 Unified Custom System and Shared Gulf Market in 2008 as well as other projects.”

Al Attiya said the launch of the first phase of the GCC grid project has already been completed and the work on the second phase is under way.

The first phase of the grid with a $1.2 billion investment connects Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar. The second phase will connect the UAE and Oman, and the third will link the UAE’s grid to Saudi Arabia.

He also said the Secretariat is working to complete the necessary studies regarding the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes to implement the decision of the Supreme Council. He further added other projects are also under progress.

anwar@khaleejtimes.com