Saudi- SRO discusses rail master plan 

(MENAFN - Arab News) The Saudi Railways Organization plans to further expand the Kingdom's railway system by linking its various regions. It said its new railway projects would cover a total length of 7,000 km.

SRO President Abdul Aziz Al-Hoqail said the company has developed a 30-year master plan (2010-2040) in association with an international consultancy firm.

"We have set out a clear futuristic vision for the organization in order to work toward realizing our vision of how SRO should be in the future and the measures to be taken for its development, improve its performance and play its designated role in boosting the national economy," he said.

Al-Hoqail said the master plan also includes measures to develop the existing railway system, improve its efficiency and preparedness and identify the areas for expansion considering its priority.

This master plan includes the formation of a supervisory authority to ensure efficiency of operation and safety and to issue operation licenses after technical conditions are fulfilled. The Cabinet has already approved the formation of a railway authority. At present SRO is playing the authority's role.

Mohamed K. Abuzaid, manager of public relations at SRO, said Sunday's workshop at Sheraton Dammam had discussed various aspects of the master plan, the existing projects and future expansion plans as well as the authority's mission and powers.

"We had intended to invite all relevant parties and agencies to attend the workshop," Abuzaid said, adding that it was attended by delegates from the Transport Ministry, Saudi Railway Co., Saudi Aramco, Public Investment Fund, Saudi Ports Authority, General Authority of Civil Aviation, Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities, Saudi Industrial Property Authority, Municipal and Rural Affairs Ministry and Gulf Cooperation Council.