Oman Rail has invited bids from consultancy firms to conduct a study on the acquisition of land for the Segment Two of the sultanate's ambitious multibillion-dollar project, said a report.

The Segment Two of the 2,135-km national rail network covers a roughly 240-km stretch that starts from Buraimi and connects with a proposed Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Dhahirah Governorate, reported The Oman Observer.

The Oman Rail move comes in line with its efforts to lay the groundwork for the implementation of a national freight and passenger rail transportation system in the sultanate.

Implementation of this segment is envisioned in two sections: Section 2a extending from Hafeet in Dhahirah Governorate to Ibri (114 km), and Section 2b, extending from Ibri to the Dhahirah Special Economic Zone (116 km), said the report.

Last week, Oman Rail floated a tender for the appointment of a consultant to undertake a detailed inventory of properties and buildings that would need to be expropriated ahead of the execution of Segment Two, it added.