Muscat – The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT) is implementing more than 240 projects listed under 19 programmes related to priority sectors of Oman Vision 2040.

Dr Saif bin Saeed al Sanani, the ministry’s Director General of Planning, highlighted the commencement of 35 projects aimed at enhancing the vital sectors of transport, logistics, communications and information technology.

In the transport sector, the projects include development of alternative roads and specialised ports, and enhancing operational capacities of existing ports like Khasab, Shinas, Suwaiq and Dhalkut. Significant emphasis has been placed on collaborative efforts with the private sector, as seen with initiatives related to marine and land services such as marine crew replacements, ship repairs and luxury ship berthing areas.

“These endeavours not only aim to attract both domestic and international investments but also closely align with our broader goals of economic diversification, financial sustainability and job creation,” Sanani informed.

Elaborating on the road projects, he said MTCIT has earmarked over RO890mn for strategic road projects in the current Five-Year Plan. These projects are expected to fortify the nation’s infrastructure, making it world-class and ensuring seamless interconnectivity across various logistics and economic sectors.

Sanani pointed out key ventures like the Sharqiyah Expressway, links to Batinah Expressway and dualisation projects of roads in various governorates. Notably, the Rusayl/Nizwa road project, which is 70% complete, is slated for completion in the first quarter 2024.

Sanani emphasised the importance of digital initiatives being implemented in parallel.

“In the first half of 2023, 20% of our year-end goal for digitising government services has been achieved. Additionally, 68% of our year-end target for simplifying government procedures is already in place,” he said.

Sanani also informed about the government’s digital transformation programme for 2021-2025, which aims to streamline and digitise 200 targeted government services by the end of this year. The programme’s executive team remains vigilant, ensuring all digitisation efforts align with broader strategic objectives and are reported periodically to the Council of Ministers.

These multifaceted initiatives are a testament to Oman’s unwavering commitment to bolstering its transport and digital sectors, setting a benchmark for sustainable growth and development.