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Light Rail Transit system for Muscat a transport imperative

By Conrad Prabhu

Oman Transport Infrastructure Summit to outline vision for city-wide rail transit system
MUSCAT -- A Light Rail Transit (LRT) system for Muscat is not only feasible but also essential if projections on high traffic growth and the implications for transport efficiency and road safety are to be taken into account, according to a city-based expert on urban transport. Dr Syed Anisuddin, an expert attached to a government organisation, will outline his vision for a Light Rail Transit system for Muscat at this week's Oman Transport Infrastructure Summit, which opens at the Crowne Plaza Muscat tomorrow.

The high-profile, four-day event will be held under the auspices of Said bin Hamdoon al Harthy, Under-Secretary for Ports and Maritime Affairs, Ministry of Transport and Communications. In their presentations on Day 2 of the Summit, Dr Anisuddin and a colleague will emphasise the importance of a Light Rail Transit system to manage Muscat's burgeoning traffic. "We will present mathematical models that will help planners ascertain the potential passenger demand for a rail transit transport system in Muscat, based on which appropriate decisions on its scope can be made. Our presentations will also look at case studies of successful rail transit models implemented abroad and their possible adaptation in Muscat," Dr Anisuddin said in comments to the Observer.

According to the expert, a Light Rail Transit system is a key transport imperative if Muscat city's long-term well-being is to be ensured. "Traffic is growing at an alarming rate in the capital city, with its road increasing more than 20-25 per cent annually. Furthermore, urbanisation is a growing phenomenon, fuelled by an influx from villages and towns into Muscat. All of these factors are contributing to strong vehicular traffic growth," he said.

Adding to these dynamics is the role of demographics. "If you look at the average population statistics, youngsters in the 19-20 years bracket make up a significant proportion. All of these youngsters will soon be looking for jobs, houses and the all-important motorcar. You then get an idea as to how many more vehicles will be added on to our streets."

Without an effective transport solution for Muscat, the expert warns, service levels on the city's streets could potentially decline to Level-C on the international scale of transport efficiency, and possibly degenerate to Level-D and Level-E during peak hours. The implications for road safety, which is already a priority concern for the government, are potentially appalling, he adds.

A viable solution, Dr Anisuddin points out, lies in the implementation of a Light Rail Transit system, given especially the city's ribbon-like linear alignment. "Wherever there are linear cities, light rail, monorail and other rail-based transit systems are very popular. In fact, Light Rail Transit systems are operated in more than 330 cities around the world."

Given Muscat's topographical layout and population characteristics, Dr Anisuddin envisions an elevated Light Rail Transit system, much like the network already in operation in Dubai. However, unlike Dubai, which has a monorail-based system, the expert moots the idea of 'standard gauge' system (a railway track with a distance of 1.435 metres between the lines) in light of Muscat's lower population density.

"A Light Rail Transit system is ideal because it can serve 50,000 passengers per hour per direction (PPHPD), which is a key advantage for many cities. As we have a lower population density in Muscat, we can consider a system with fewer coaches, say 3-4 per carriage, and also operate it at frequencies based on demand. In order for planners to come up with a scientific and rational approach to conceptualising a Light Rail Transit system for Muscat, we are proposing a mathematical model to help assess demand using routine transport data," the expert explained.

Another much-awaited paper to be presented at this week's Summit will shed light on Oman's progress in developing a national rail system for passenger and goods traffic in the Sultanate. Salim bin Mohammed al Affani, Director-General of Physical Planning, Supreme Committee for Town Planning, will also outline design and construction challenges in the implementation of the multi-billion dollar scheme.

Oman's National Railway Network will initially comprise the following five segments: Muscat -- Sohar (242 km), Muscat -- Duqm (486 km), Sohar -- Al Ain (166 km), Sohar -- Khatmat Malaha (58 km), and Duqm -- Salalah (646 km). In future stages, linkages are also planned to Adam, Nizwa, Ibri, and other locations that will be identified based on a National Spatial Strategy Study currently being undertaken by the Supreme Committee.

It is expected that Requests for Proposals (RfPs) for the selection of design and project management consultants, delayed since March in the wake of a reshuffle of the Council of Ministers, are likely to be floated shortly. Around 10 international firms each have been prequalified to participate in the Detailed Engineering Design and Project Management Consultancy tenders.

© Oman Daily Observer 2011