KFCA witness heavy rush

Manama

 The King Fahad Causeway (KFCA) that connects Saudi Arabia and Bahrain has witnessed heavy rush during the Eid Al Fitr holidays, causing a huge tail back yesterday.  

Thousands of motorists started crossing and leading to crowding in the Causeway as expected which will continue till the fifth day of Eid at least.

Anticipating the rush, the concerned authorities have taken appropriate measures to monitor illegal activities like smuggling of explosives and drugs on the King Fahd Causeway during the Eid Al Fitr period. Last year, the number of travellers who used the causeway was 220,000 and it is expected to cross the figure this time around.

King Fahad Causeway Authority director-general Abdulrahman bin Saad Al Yahya stressed continuous cooperation between the Saudi and Bahraini sides of the strategic artery to ensure travellers streamlined measures and best services during Eid Al Fitr holidays.

In a statement issued yesterday, expecting the flow of passengers crossing the causeway to and fro to exceed the levels that were reported last year, Al Yahya pointed out that security and safety employees as well as the fee-payment gates will work round the clock to avert any congestion. He underlined the directives of the Eastern Province Governor and Bahrain’s Interior Minister to ensure the smooth flow of travellers, stressing keenness on tackling any difficulties that may confront passengers at rush hours and during holidays.

The Assistant Undersecretary for Ports, Search and Follow-up at the General Directorate of Nationality, Passports & Residence said on Thursday that 2,21,478 people had entered Bahrain between July 9 and 15. Of these, 1,88,459  arrived from Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries via King Fahad Causeway, 32,664 through Bahrain International Airport and 335 through ports.