RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet on Tuesday approved the establishment of the General Authority for Roads to enhance the competitiveness of road construction, operation and maintenance, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The decision is part of efforts to support the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, Saudi Transport Minister Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser said.

The new authority will “supervise the implementation of the strategy and will be responsible for strengthening the interconnection and cooperation between the sectors of the transport system,” he added.

Vice Minister of Transport and Logistics for Roads Affairs Bader Al-Dulami noted that the transport sector is going through historic reforms, and the establishment of the General Authority for Roads will benefit the Kingdom and its citizens. 

Al-Dulami pointed out that the new authority will set controls and rules to support investment activities and value-added services for roads, including support services. 

The official added that the authority will have a role in setting conditions, standards, controls and specifications for the construction and maintenance of all roads inside and outside the urban areas.

 

The new authority will supervise the implementation of the strategy and will be responsible for strengthening the interconnection and cooperation between the sectors of the transport system.

Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser

Transport minister

Al-Dulami further added that the establishment of the authority will help boost the Kingdom’s global ranking in road quality and will also maintain its global leadership in the interconnection of road networks. 

He said the authority will enhance the ministry’s role as a guide and regulator of the transport and logistics sector. 

The Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services is carrying out several strategic road projects in the Makkah region. One of the key development projects include the Hudn-Torbah two-way highway, which seeks to reduce traffic accidents.

Al-Jasser added that the connection between Al-Jumum-Hada Road and the Southern Ring Road in Jeddah constitutes a main artery for the movement of trucks heading from Jeddah to the center and east of the Kingdom.

“It seems that the synergy is a priority because the roads in Saudi Arabia are executed and regulated by four entities; Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Rural Affairs, royal commissions, and municipalities,” said Mohammed Alsuwayed, former head of vision realization office at the Saudi Ministry of Transport.