It seems like every country in the Middle East is pushing hard to develop a railway network. If I wrote about Jordan last time, this time I'm writing about Oman.A joint venture team of experts representing Systra Consulting of France and the National Engineering Office (NEO) of the Sultanate has already completed a study of the design requirements for the National Railway project.More than 30 engineering consultants have already registered to prequalify for a contract to provide engineering design and supervision consultancy services for the project.The Supreme Committee for Town Planning (SCTP) is the lead agency responsible for the development and implementation of the country's national rail transportation system.A similar number of firms have also sought to prequalify for a contract to provide project management services.Prequalification offers for either tender are currently under evaluation. A shortlist of prequalified bidders is likely to be announced within a month, it is learnt.One or more engineering consultants will be appointed to undertake the design of the different sections of the rail network, with an award expected to be announced early next year.Oman's National Railway network will comprise a double track, standard-gauge (1,435mm) system with provision made for the introduction of high-speed trains, with speeds of up to 350 kilometres per hour (kph), in the future. Initially, however, passenger trains will be operated at speeds of 200 kph, while freight trains will run at speeds ranging from 80 to 120 kph.The rail system will form part of a planned Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) rail network connecting Oman with the UAE and other Gulf countries.According to authorities, a feasibility study of the GCC rail network extending from Kuwait to Muscat, connecting all six Gulf station, has found the initiative to be "feasible and economically justified".The study has also concluded that a private concession for the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) of the GCC Railway is "financially viable".Take care!Follow us on twitter!Take care!Source: Oman Daily Observer