The group, led by SYSTRA in association with its Canadian subsidiary Canarail and a local partner, is now completing the first part of its research into the feasibility of a new rail line connecting the six member countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and Saudi Arabia). The study, which began on 1 September 2007, will have lasted for more than a year.

Nearly 2,000km long, this rail line will be for both freight and passenger transport. It is intended to complement the road network which is congested with lorries and is underdeveloped, except around cities ; it should also provide an alternative to air travel for passengers.

In particular, the group has analysed the passenger and goods markets, has studied the potential route, which goes from Kuwait to Oman passing through several heavily built-up areas such as Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, examined environmental repercussions and safety aspects, considered profitability, and put forward a building plan. Work is due to be spread over three years with operations commencing in January 2016.

This ambitious project to create an international rail network in a complex environment is a first in the region. As such, it is a real challenge for the GCC and is being monitored very closely by authorities in each of the six member countries. Throughout its course, the study has involved numerous consultations with, and approvals from, the various ministries concerned. SYSTRA has called upon all of its international multi-sector expertise, as well as its experience in Gulf states to complete this difficult study within a short timeframe.

The GCC has ratified the study and it is now a case of deciding on the type of structure that will assume management of this new rail link.

Until March 2009, SYSTRA and its partners will be researching an extension of the route through Oman up to the Yemen border.

This major project should lead fairly quickly to more detailed studies, as well as possible assistance to GCC countries in examining how to join national rail networks to this new line.