RIYADH: A recent report has shown that the Kingdom's transport sector is growing at a rate of 10 percent per year due to the growth in number of road works projects and rail lines and other development works across the country. The study by the International Center for Quality and Productivity says that the development of road infrastructure for the use of pilgrims has also seen rapid growth, expanding at a rate of between 10 and 15 percent, while last year saw 6,400 kilometers of new road designated in the Kingdom's transport budget. Massive development projects currently being carried out in the country include the Riyadh light railway project which is worth SR10.7 billion and the public transport project, which is part of the strategic plan for the development of Jeddah, at a cost of SR21 billion. There are 440 kilometers of rail line currently being constructed in Makkah, Madina, Jeddah and at King Abdullah Economic City, all part of the Haramain high speed train project. According to a representative from the International Center for Quality and Productivity, the report was drawn up ahead of the 2011 Saudi Urban Transport Conference, due to be held in February under the patronage of the Minister of Transport Jabara Al-Suraisiri. “The conference represents an important platform to boost sustainable growth in the Kingdom's transport sector,” the representative said. “Persons of international standing in the transport industry will be present to discuss challenges and the most up-to-date solutions available to meet the growing needs of the country's transport sector.”
