Parliament Endorses Financing Deal for Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmad Al Sabah Road Expansion

TDT | Manama

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The Council of Representatives approved, in principle, a draft law endorsing the framework agreement to finance the second phase of the Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmad Al Sabah Road project, marking a major step forward for one of Bahrain’s largest strategic transport developments. The approval followed the Financial and Economic Affairs Committee’s report on the agreement between the Government and the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development.

Project

The second phase forms part of a wider road network designed to serve areas extending from the Southern Governorate to the Capital Governorate. The project includes multiple grade separated intersections, expanded lanes in both directions and the removal of traffic signals along the main corridor to ease congestion and support commercial, industrial and residential growth.

Communities

During deliberations, MPs stressed that the project must address long standing safety and mobility concerns in surrounding areas, particularly those affected by frequent accidents and congestion. Members underlined the importance of ensuring that strategic infrastructure delivers tangible benefits to residents, not only long term network efficiency.

Deliberations

MP Abdulwahed Abdulaziz Qarata questioned spending priorities and whether the scale of investment would deliver lasting solutions to congestion, especially near industrial zones. MP Ahmed Sabah Al Saloom focused on the financing mechanism, supporting reliance on development funds rather than the general budget. MP Khalid Saleh Buanaq highlighted shortcomings in previous road projects, calling for fully integrated implementation to avoid recurring bottlenecks. MP Hesham Abdulaziz Al Awadhi raised concerns over planning timelines and traffic management during construction.

Response

Government representatives said traffic capacity, service roads and pedestrian safety had been incorporated into the design, with coordination under way to reduce construction periods and manage diversions.

Following parliamentary approval, the draft law will be referred to the Shura Council, as attention turns to implementation and its impact on safety, mobility and economic activity.