GCC Railway 50% Complete

The Gulf Railway project, which connects the six Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) member states has reached 50 per cent completion, according to Mohamed bin Fahd Al-Shabarmi, Director General of the Gulf Railway Authority.

The ambitious rail network, known as the “Gulf Train,” spans more than 1,700 kilometres and is scheduled to become fully operational by 2030.

The project is considered one of the GCC’s largest joint infrastructure initiatives. It will link Bahrain with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait, strengthening regional transportation and economic integration.

Al-Shabarmi said the railway is being developed through close co-operation between GCC member states and national companies, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing regional connectivity and supporting long-term economic growth.

Operational projections indicate that passenger traffic on the network will increase from six million passengers in 2030 to more than eight million by 2045. Freight volumes are also expected to rise significantly, growing from 200 million tonnes to 271 million tonnes during the same period.

He further added that the railway will enhance the movement of goods and passengers across the Gulf, boost trade and logistics, support rail-related industries, and create jobs. Integrated with air, road and maritime networks, the system is also expected to reduce truck dependence and lower emissions, strengthening regional connectivity and economic co-operation across GCC countries.

Bahrain’s connection to the GCC railway network will be through the proposed King Hamad Causeway linking Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. The 57-km corridor, running parallel to the King Fahd Causeway, will include road lanes and dual rail tracks connecting the planned King Hamad International Railway Station in Ramli to Dammam Railway Station in Saudi Arabia.