Oman- Word on the street: Highways and development

(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Public opinion on the streets of Muscat

After Muscat airport, another major project Batinah Expressway will be opened to public on May 7. How significant is the new expressway for Oman?

Nasser al Hosni

Manager

The Batinah Expressway is a great route for Oman as it will help reduce traffic congestion on other roads leading to the area. It will also ease travel for people living in nearby wilayats.

Ibrahim al Safti

Engineer

The project is a milestone in the field of road development. It will help increase commercial movement between wilayats and also with neighbouring countries such as the UAE. It will enhance employment opportunities for many Omani youth.

Farouq Ahmed

Businessman

The new expressway project will encourage domestic tourism in Oman because it will link many wilayats. It will also reduce distance between Oman and neighbouring countries and increase investment options.

Dawar Shams

Finance sector employee

The Batinah Expressway will serve as a lifeline for people of Batinah and beyond as it will provide good connectivity with the capital. Apart from reducing travelling time, it will spur growth in business and help set up new industries in areas along the highway, especially till Sohar.

Waheed al Balushi

Manager

Major projects are envisaged or are already operational in Sohar Industrial Estate and the port area. With the fast road network, business is going to benefit many. It may be an incentive for tourists too as visitors from the UAE will need lesser time to reach.

Shariq Ahmed

Sales manager

Highways, especially world class ones like Batinah Expressway, fast forward development in areas along the route. And this would come true for Batinah Expressway as well. With the bulk of the logistics and industry now operating from Sohar, it will help businesses tremendously.

Do you think there is an urgent need for rest areas as well as more fuel stations along the expressway to make it convenient for commuters?

Mohammed Soikat

Businessman

There is an urgent need for rest areas and restrooms at fuel stations especially along expressways. A lot of people, especially those travelling with little children prefer visiting places that are equipped with at least basic facilities.

Mohammed Rafiqul Alam

Businessman

More rest areas and fuel stations along the expressway will make travel convenient. It will also encourage more tourists to visit the country.

Saif al Harthy

Graphics designer

Such things are not a necessity as not every expressway sees heavy traffic. So, there is no point investing money in building rest areas on these expressways. However, I think that more fuel stations are needed.

Bobichen K T

Sales and marketing executive

It's a good idea to have enough rest areas and fuel stations on expressways. However, authorities should ensure rest areas are accessible and drivers do not block traffic. It is better to have more restrooms at fuel stations for drivers. Setting up more fuel stations on both sides of the road is important.

Yousef al Balushi

Government employee

There is a need for rest areas along many roads in Oman. These areas should be clearly marked so that they can be easily located. Also, it is important that there are parking spaces near these facilties for motorists. Rest rooms and fuel stations are the need of the hour.

Anwar Abdullah

Marketing manager

Rest areas need to be set up in such a way that they are easily accessible and do not block traffic. The rest areas available near fuel stations need to be made more comfortable for drivers. It is unfortunate that some rest areas at fuel stations are always closed.

Do you think the new expressway will help in development of areas along the highway? Do you think it will help in decongesting Muscat?

Praveen P George

Planning engineer

Roads are the backbone of a country's development and it will surely decongest Muscat which is overcrowded at present. There is no land left in the capital. So, with this expressway I am sure people will not mind staying a bit away from the city as connectivity will improve.

Daanish Syed

Legal consultant

Roads are an important aspect of a city's development. Muscat has good roads so everybody wants to settle in the capital only. When you visit other wilayats you will see that there are houses but no residents, because the road network is not good. With this expressway the government will be able to convince people to settle in surrounding areas too.

Joby Joseph

Operations manager

Roads play an important role in the development of a country. They help in better employment opportunities and establishment of hospitals, schools, market and other services thus helping in overall development of an individual and society. Now, with this new expressway more people will move away from Muscat.

Nasir Ali

Senior executive Yes, this is possible only if the authorities set up more petrol stations, allow more restaurants, cafés and garages along the expressway. Such facilities will attract more tourists and encourage people to settle in areas near the expressway.

Asila Saif Said al Habsi

Branch supervisor

The new expressway will help businesses mushroom and generate more employment options. It will also ease traffic in the capital area as people will have alternative routes to enter and exit.

Yasir Shatit Saleem al Saadi

Senior executive

It will create many job opportunities and land owners near the expressway will benefit when prices surge. Traffic congestion too will ease. Heavy vehicles can be diverted to the Sultan Qaboos highway. This will make the new road safer for light vehicles.

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