Muscat – Several key road infrastructure projects in Dhofar are progressing ahead of schedule as Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology ramps up efforts to improve traffic flow and ease congestion ahead of the khareef season.

In a major milestone, the ministry opened the new Arqut-Sarfait mountain road in Dhalkout on Thursday. Built to withstand all weather conditions, the road enhances access to Dhalkout and the Sarfait border crossing with Yemen. The 13.5km route, constructed by a local Omani contractor, was rerouted through rugged terrain to avoid landslide-prone areas and includes box culverts, retaining walls, drainage channels and safety signage.

The Ittin Roundabout Tunnel is 75% complete, significantly ahead of its planned 58% target, the ministry said in a statement. ‘This project will enhance traffic flow, reduce congestion during khareef and improve regional connectivity,’ it added.

The Al Farooq Road project in Salalah has reached 35% completion, just ahead of its planned 34% target. Once complete, it is expected to improve traffic flow and support urban growth in the area.

Meanwhile, work continues on the 33km dual-carriageway Raysut-Mughsail road in Salalah, of which the Mughsail Bridge –  featuring a 12m high structure with 19 columns and six decorative arches – is currently 11% complete.

H E Saeed Hamood al Mawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, visited the project sites last week accompanied by H E Khamis al Shamakhi, Undersecretary, and a team of specialists.

Dhofar is preparing for khareef 2025, which runs from June 21 to September 20. In 2024, the governorate welcomed over 1mn visitors during khareef, up 9% from the previous year.

RO920mn awarded in road projects since 2021

Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology has awarded road projects worth over RO920mn since the start of the 10th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025), according to H E Khamis al Shamakhi, Undersecretary for Transport.

The ministry awarded road contracts worth more than RO450mn in 2024, with the value expected to exceed RO600mn this year. H E Shamakhi added that several dual carriageway projects are currently in the tendering process or being prepared for awarding as part of ongoing efforts to enhance the country’s transport infrastructure.