Muscat The Services and Public Utilities Committee of the Shura Council held meetings on Tuesday with officials from the Royal Oman Police (ROP) and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning to discuss solutions to traffic congestion in Muscat Governorate.

The discussions come as part of the committee’s ongoing study of a proposal aimed at reducing congestion through the development of a sustainable urban transport system, amid growing population and urban expansion in the capital.

At the start of the meeting, the committee received officials from the ROP.  Dr. Hamoud Ahmed Al Yahyai, Chairman of the Committee, commended the role of the police in regulating traffic movement across the Sultanate and enhancing road safety, particularly in Muscat, which continues to witness steady urban and population growth.

ROP officials presented an overview of the current traffic situation in Muscat, highlighting major roads experiencing high traffic density and outlining key factors contributing to congestion. These include the rising number of vehicles, expanding economic activity and rapid urban development in several areas.

The presentation also reviewed measures undertaken to improve traffic flow, including better intersection management, upgrades to traffic signal systems, increased traffic patrols at key locations and the use of modern technologies to enhance traffic management efficiency.

Officials further highlighted ongoing development projects such as road infrastructure upgrades, expansion of selected major roads, deployment of smart monitoring systems and initiatives to strengthen traffic awareness among road users.

Committee members proposed several measures to address the issue more effectively, stressing the importance of stronger coordination among relevant authorities in road development and infrastructure projects, particularly the Muscat Expressway upgrade. They also emphasised the need for integrated traffic management plans during project implementation to minimise temporary congestion.

In a separate session, the committee met officials from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning to discuss the role of urban planning in tackling traffic congestion.

The ministry presented the Greater Muscat Structure Plan, outlining its role in guiding urban growth and achieving balanced land-use distribution. The plan also highlights measures to improve mobility through public transport development, human-centred urban design and better integration of the road network.

Committee members underscored the importance of long-term planning to address congestion, calling for innovative approaches to redistribute residential density and reduce pressure on high-activity areas while accelerating practical short-term solutions to ease current traffic challenges in Muscat.