OMAN'S Transport and Communications Ministry has awarded 11 infrastructure contracts worth RO158.37 million ($411 million). The agreements were signed by Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Futaisi, Minister of Transport and Communications.

The projects include the construction of the Al Batinah Expressway (45.5 km) at a cost of RO138.92 million ($361.3 million), a tarmac road from Qumaira to Hail Al Khanabsha in the Dhahirah Governorate (21 km) at a cost of RO10.005 million ($26.02 million), the Dhank-Al Khabib Road (12 km) in the Dhahirah Governorate at a cost of RO4.53 million ($11.78 million) and the rehabilitation of Wadi Qurayat Road in the Dakhiliyah Governorate (21 km) at a cost of RO1.2 million ($3.12 million).

The Ministry of Transport and Communications is currently implementing 65 road projects in various governorates of the sultanate totalling 2,065 km at a cost of RO1.5 billion ($3.09 million).

The minister also said some additional projects have been planned outside the purview of the current Five-Year Plan at a cost of RO319 million ($828 million).