Govt adopts comprehensive traffic plan with strategic, medium- and long-term solutions

In a concerted effort to address traffic congestion and improve road flow across the country, the Kuwaiti Cabinet has approved a comprehensive report by the Ministry of Interior outlining six practical solutions categorized into short-, medium-, and long-term phases.

Nine government agencies have been assigned responsibilities to implement the proposed measures, each within their area of jurisdiction.

Strategic Oversight and Coordination

• The Ministry of Interior has been designated as the lead authority for overseeing and coordinating efforts among the involved entities.
• All participating agencies must submit monthly progress reports, detailing developments and adherence to approved timelines.
• The Council of Ministers also reaffirmed its readiness to review further recommendations from the General Traffic Department.

Short-Term Measures (1–2 Years)

• The Ministry of Finance has been asked to allocate funds to increase public transport buses for school students, addressing peak-hour congestion.
• Proposals include implementing flexible work schedules, evening shifts, staggered school timings, and shared school transportation.

Medium-Term Measures (3–5 Years)

• Reactivate the Traffic Congestion Committee with a dedicated budget.
• Empower the Public Authority for Roads and Land Transport to finalize the regulatory and legislative framework for public transport.

Long-Term Measures (Over 5 Years)

• Expedite the tendering and follow-up of previously approved road development projects.
• Approve the fourth master plan for Kuwait Municipality.
• Accelerate the study and development of new radial and ring roads, especially the Sixth and Seventh Ring Roads.
• Introduce smart transportation systems, a metro network, and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT).

Implementation and Monitoring

The Cabinet emphasized the importance of removing obstacles hindering progress and ensuring each agency fulfills its assigned role.

The General Secretariat has issued formal directives to the relevant ministries and authorities, calling for unified legal, financial, and technical efforts to implement the traffic solutions.

The government institutions that will be involved are:

• Ministries of Finance, Public Works, Education, Communications, and Information
• Kuwait Municipality
• Public Authority for Roads and Land Transport
• Civil Service Commission
• Public Authority for Manpower
• Fatwa and Legislation Department

  The Cabinet has set a six-month deadline for a final report detailing implementation stages, specific actions by each body, and a comprehensive timeline.