At the end of last week, the US National Security Advisor (NSA) Jake Sullivan convened a meeting of the National Security Advisors of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and India in Saudi to explore a possible major infrastructure project in the Middle East. Axios reported that the countries are anticipated to build a network of railways linking the Gulf nations and shipping lanes that will connect the Arab countries to India.
On May 4, Sullivan announced that he would travel to Saudi for discussions with Saudi leaders, including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
According to Reuters, Sullivan also stated that Indian and UAE representatives will be attending the meeting to explore “new areas of cooperation” between New Delhi, the Gulf, and the broader region.
Read more: How the GCC Railway could revolutionize trade and transport in the Gulf
Saudi-Kuwait railway link
Last week, Al-Qabas Daily reported that the Saudi Railways Company and the Saudi General Transportation Authority have chosen Systra, a French rail transport company, to conduct a feasibility study for a high-speed railway connection between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. MEED magazine noted that this decision follows several prior initiatives aimed at linking Saudi with other GCC countries as part of the Gulf railway network.
Systra had previously been selected in July of last year to undertake a feasibility study for the proposed high-speed railway that would link Riyadh and Doha. These developments reflect a trend toward enhancing regional connectivity and collaboration throughout the Middle East.
The first phase of the project has a tender value of one million dinars ($3.25 million) and will involve the construction of a single-track line that can accommodate passenger and freight trains.
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