Kuwait Announces 18 New Road Infrastructure Projects

KUWAIT CITY, Oct 17, 2024 - Acting Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef recently chaired a high-level coordination meeting to discuss upcoming road infrastructure projects across Kuwait. The session was attended by Minister of Public Works Dr. Noura Al-Mashaan, along with assistant undersecretaries and department heads from both the Ministry of Public Works and the Ministry of Interior.

During the meeting, the officials focused on the signing of contracts for 18 new road projects and the launch of a nationwide road repair workshop. These efforts aim to enhance the country’s road infrastructure, ensuring smooth transportation across all six governorates.

Emphasis on Timely Maintenance and Coordination

Sheikh Fahad emphasized the importance of adhering to the maintenance schedule, ensuring that there are no delays, and tackling any obstacles that may hinder progress. He reiterated the Ministry of Interior’s full support for the Ministry of Public Works and the Public Authority for Roads and Transportation. To streamline efforts, he called for the establishment of a 24/7 joint operations room dedicated to overseeing road development projects.

Minister Al-Mashaan announced that the contracts for the 18 projects would be signed in the coming days. These projects will cover major repairs on highways and internal roads, with collaboration from international, Gulf, and local companies to ensure high-quality results and timely completion.

Road Infrastructure Statistics Reflect Growing Vehicle Numbers

Meanwhile, the Central Administration of Statistics released its annual report on transportation and communications. The report revealed a significant increase in the number of vehicles on Kuwait’s roads, highlighting the urgent need for robust road infrastructure.

• As of the end of 2023, there were 2,522,933 registered vehicles in Kuwait, marking an increase of 685,561 vehicles since 2014.
• The largest growth was seen in private cars, which increased by 542,739 vehicles, from 1,485,926 in 2014 to 2,028,665 in 2023.
• Other types of vehicles also saw a rise, including on-demand taxis, which grew from 4,646 in 2022 to 5,049 in 2023, and mobile taxis, which increased from 8,367 to 8,851. Regular taxis saw a slight increase from 479 to 506.

In addition, 104,700 new driving licenses were issued in 2023, reflecting a continuous rise in the number of road users. To address these changes, 1,130 kilometers of new roads were constructed between 2014 and 2023.

Collaboration and Safety Initiatives for Road Repair

As part of the new initiatives, the Ministry of Public Works will launch a nationwide campaign to keep citizens informed about ongoing roadworks and repairs. Notifications will be sent through the government’s “Sahel” app, providing real-time updates on project timelines, road closures, and traffic conditions. This approach aims to ensure public safety and minimize disruption for road users during construction periods.

Ensuring Kuwait's Road Network Meets Future Needs

The latest developments signify Kuwait’s commitment to building and maintaining a road network that meets the needs of its growing population. By collaborating with international and local companies, and through coordinated efforts between multiple ministries, the government is focused on delivering projects that will improve the nation’s road infrastructure and enhance overall transportation safety.