MANAMA — The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) railway project is scheduled to become fully operational by December 2030, with overall completion reaching 55.92%, as member states signed a landmark agreement Sunday to establish an integrated railway network connecting the six Gulf countries.The General Agreement for the GCC Railway Project was signed at Riffa Al Zahir Palace in Bahrain under the patronage and in the presence of Bahraini Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.The signing ceremony was attended by GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi and the transport and communications ministers of the member states.According to the GCC General Secretariat, the project has achieved an overall completion rate of 55.92%, with December 2030 set as the target for full operation.The agreement establishes a common framework governing the commitments of member states, coordinating implementation and operational activities, and ensuring integration among their national railway networks.It represents a major milestone in the development of a unified Gulf transportation system designed to facilitate passenger and freight movement across the region.Speaking on the occasion, Albudaiwi said the agreement marked a significant step toward strengthening Gulf integration in the transportation sector and establishing a coordinated railway system across GCC countries."The General Agreement for the GCC Railway Project represents a significant step in bolstering Gulf integration in the transport sector and regulating the railway transport system within the GCC states," he said.He added that the agreement would support the operation of a railway network linking all GCC member states through a single, integrated and interoperable regional system, strengthening connectivity and facilitating transportation among member countries.The project aims to provide safe, reliable, economical and environmentally friendly transportation services for passengers and freight, operating under common technical specifications and approved safety and sustainability standards.It is also expected to strengthen intra-GCC trade by connecting economic and industrial centers with ports and logistics hubs, improving the competitiveness of Gulf economies.Albudaiwi expressed appreciation to Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, who chairs the current session of the GCC Supreme Council, and the leaders of GCC member states for their continued support of joint Gulf initiatives and strategic development projects.The secretary-general praised the efforts of the relevant teams across GCC member states and the GCC Railways Authority in advancing the project.He emphasized that the railway network would contribute to economic development, create employment and investment opportunities, and strengthen economic and social ties among Gulf communities.
