EP needs ‘world class transport system’

DAMMAM: Businesspeople in the Eastern Province have called on the government to construct a world class transport system, including a metro in the region, to ease congestion and improve commerce.
They said recently the overhaul must include the Ministry of Transport issuing new regulations overseeing the development of roads, railway lines and ports, which would also serve to counter cover-up businesses in the sector.
Khalid Al-Bakri, a member of the Asharqia Chamber’s land committee, said the eastern region is one of the most important in the Kingdom because it is considered the center of the petroleum and petrochemical industry.
“In addition, it has a huge population because of the availability of jobs and investment opportunities. This has resulted in heavy traffic congestion, which requires radical solutions, particularly the construction of a metro,” he added.
Al-Bakri said a recent paper at the land transport forum outlined the size of the sector in the Kingdom, considered one of the largest in the Arab world. Investments are about SR120 billion, with 4,600 licenses issued, and 720,000 heavy vehicles transporting 630 million tons annually.
He said that the improvement of this sector would contribute to the development of the Kingdom’s economy and provide investment opportunities in transport, logistics and support industries, and resulting in more jobs for Saudis.
Nasser Quaid, a businessman and also member of the land committee, said: “In light of the global economic downturn, we should take action, including more investments in transport infrastructure in an attempt to boost domestic demand. Therefore, the EP is in dire need to reconsider transport projects, and to create a metro project commensurate with population growth.”