Kuwait Traffic Surges as 2.5 Million Vehicles Hit the Roads

Acting Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef recently chaired an important coordination meeting to discuss Kuwait's upcoming road infrastructure projects. The meeting brought together Minister of Public Works Dr. Noura Al-Mashaan, assistant undersecretaries, and department heads from both ministries, highlighting the commitment to improving Kuwait's road systems.

Key Highlights from the Meeting

The focus of the meeting was on the signing of contracts for 18 new road projects and the launch of a nationwide road repair workshop. Sheikh Fahad emphasized the critical need for sticking to the road maintenance schedule to avoid delays and address any obstacles that may impede progress.

He assured that the Ministry of Interior would provide full support to the Ministry of Public Works and the Public Authority for Roads. A significant outcome from the meeting was the proposal to establish a 24/7 joint operations room to oversee ongoing road development efforts.

Upcoming Road Projects

Minister Al-Mashaan announced that contracts for the 18 projects would be signed in the coming days. These contracts will cover major repairs on highways and internal roads across Kuwait's six governorates. The government plans to collaborate with international, Gulf, and local companies to ensure the successful implementation of these projects.

Rising Vehicle Numbers

In conjunction with these infrastructure developments, the Central Administration of Statistics released its annual transportation and communications bulletin, revealing a substantial increase in the number of vehicles on Kuwait's roads. As of the end of 2023, there were 2,522,933 registered vehicles, marking an increase of 685,561 vehicles since 2014.

The report highlights that the most significant growth occurred in the category of private cars, which surged by 542,739 vehicles, rising from 1,485,926 in 2014 to 2,028,665 in 2023. Additionally, "on-demand taxis" saw an increase from 4,646 in 2022 to 5,049 in 2023, while "mobile taxis" rose from 8,367 to 8,851 vehicles. Regular taxis also experienced a slight uptick, increasing from 479 to 506.

Notably, 104,700 new driving licenses were issued in 2023, and a total of 1,130 kilometers of roads were constructed between 2014 and 2023.

Keeping Citizens Informed

To ensure public safety during the upcoming roadworks, a campaign will be launched to keep citizens informed. The government plans to utilize the "Sahel" app, sending notifications to provide real-time updates on road projects and traffic conditions. This proactive approach will help residents navigate any disruptions during the construction phases.

As Kuwait gears up for these major infrastructure improvements, the commitment to enhancing road safety and efficiency is clear. With collaboration among various ministries and timely communication to the public, these initiatives promise to significantly improve the driving experience for all Kuwaitis.