Oman Rail has achieved several key project milestones on its Mineral Line railway network with the completion of its concept design, corridor identification, and technical and operational parameters besides acquisition of land for the project, said a report.

It has already made much headway in preparing the groundwork for the implementation of the landmark project, according to Oman Observer.

The proposed Mineral Line venture is one of several logistics-related investment opportunities that the government, represented by Tanfeedh, says is key to accelerating non-oil economic diversification and thereby fuelling investment growth and job creation for Omanis, stated the report, citing Mohammed Al Mahruqi, the project manager for Oman Rail.

"At the core of the initiative is a proposal for a 625-km railway line connecting Shuwaymiyah and Manji areas, which are blessed with abundant mineral resources chiefly limestone and gypsum, to Duqm Port," noted Al Mahruqi.

"This includes a connection to Thamrait, another mineral-rich area, envisaged in the second phase of the project.  Thamrait will also be linked with Salalah Port as part of the National Rail Network," he stated.

Provisional studies conducted by Oman Rail have estimated the freight traffic potential of the proposed mineral line to include 5 million tonnes of gypsum, 5 million tonnes of limestone, and around 1 million tonnes of oilfield equipment annually.

Al Mahruqi said the Mineral Line project is being prioritised in light of its potential as a driver of economic growth.

Work on the technical specifications of the terminals proposed along the route of the network is progressing well in collaboration with a technical consultant, stated the official.

Oman Rail aims to complete this important milestone by the middle of this year, he added.