A plan to make the GCC railway network operational by 2018 is being drawn up, a report said.

Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are already in the process of conducting a feasibility study, which is expected to be complete by the first quarter of 2014.

This was revealed during the 17th GCC Transportation Ministers’ meeting held in Manama, according to the report in the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

The meeting focused on technical specifications, legislations, railway lines and connection points between member states.

The designs and technical specifications for the network was approved earlier in 2012.

Member states have been urged to review concept maps marking junctions and connection points and make recommendations before the end of the year.

They have also been recommended to complete the draft framework for the project operation, including laws and legislation relating to passenger and freight transport.

Transportation Minister and Economic Development Board acting chief executive Kamal Ahmed chaired the meeting.

He expressed pride in the landmark achievements of the GCC which have won global acclaim. – TradeArabia News Service