Oman has awarded 25 large road projects worth RO376 million ($973 million) as part of its efforts to develop the country’s infrastructure to global standards, said a report.

These agreements will see the construction of asphalt roads which will extend across 280 km, whether single or double lane, and more than 40 km of mountain roads, reported the Oman Observer.

These will be extensions of the current road network and expansion of the single-lane roads to two lanes, it added.

The development projects vary from small and medium road construction projects to sewage systems, said the report, citing a senior minister.

Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Salim Al Futaisi, the Minister of Transport and Communications said every kilometre of road built will positively affect the GDP (gross domestic product) as they link new areas for industries and construction.