A long-standing legislative gap is hindering the country’s land transport sector, Transportation and Telecommunications Minister Dr Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa told Parliament yesterday.
He stressed the urgent need for a comprehensive legal framework to regulate the industry.
The minister said land transport regulation currently relies on just two articles within the Traffic Law, warning that this approach ‘does not provide sufficient legal tools to address many violations and irregular practices’.
“A large number of the challenges and issues facing the land transport sector today stem primarily from a legislative gap,” Dr Shaikh Abdulla said.
“The existing framework does not grant the ministry, or the land transport sector, the executive authority or legislative tools required to deal decisively with many of the issues raised by MPs.”
He said the ministry shared several of the concerns with MPs, particularly regarding enforcement limitations and the inability to impose effective deterrents against repeated violations.
Addressing concerns over truck congestion in residential neighbourhoods, the minister said the issue directly impacts citizens’ quality of life and is largely caused by the absence of properly equipped truck parking areas, particularly during waiting periods for convoy movement across the King Fahad Causeway.
“The lack of designated truck holding yards is a major reason behind congestion in residential areas, whether due to causeway scheduling or illegal practices inside the kingdom,” he said.
He confirmed close co-ordination with the Interior Ministry’s General Directorate of Traffic through the Land Transport Inspection and Control Directorate, but acknowledged that enforcement remains limited without stronger legislation.
As a solution, Dr Shaikh Abdulla said the ministry is prioritising the development of truck holding yards, including a temporary facility near Khalifa Bin Salman Port, alongside the upcoming new customs zone project.
“The new customs zone will include a fully integrated truck holding area with logistical services before vehicles head to the King Fahad Causeway, significantly reducing pressure on residential districts,” he said.
The minister noted that the proposed unified GCC law includes clear penalties and fines, establishing a harmonised system of sanctions across member states.
“This unified framework will enhance discipline, reduce violations and regulate transit and empty-entry operations, ultimately benefiting Bahraini companies and expanding their opportunities within the GCC common market,” he said.
He highlighted the importance of Saudi Arabia in resolving transport-related challenges, given the direct land connection.
“Saudi Arabia will be at the forefront of co-ordination efforts, especially given the strategic importance of the King Fahad Causeway,” he said.
Bahrain currently has around 140 companies operating in international land transport, with a combined fleet of approximately 2,300 trucks, making careful implementation essential.
The minister stressed that their core role is to support national companies, reduce border waiting times and unify procedures across GCC states, while ensuring that no party’s interests are harmed.
On traffic-related matters, Dr Shaikh Abdulla said – in his capacity as a Traffic Council member – that the council, chaired by the Interior Minister, is committed to tackling congestion through strict adherence to decisions regulating truck movement.
“This includes designated routes and specific operating hours for trucks,” he said, warning that non-compliance by some drivers continues to pose challenges for traffic authorities.
He praised the efforts of the General Directorate of Traffic in managing congestion through infrastructure development and the reorganisation of truck movement at key locations.
“The next phase requires intensified monitoring to ensure full compliance with designated routes,” he said, commending the traffic police for enforcing regulations without leniency and in close co-ordination with the relevant authorities.
Dr Shaikh Abdulla also responded to a question by MP Lulwa Al Romaihi on the ambitious Bahrain Metro project during the session in which he said Phase One of the project, as highlighted earlier by GDN Media, will consist of two main metro lines designed to serve key residential, commercial and economic hubs.
The first line will run from Bahrain International Airport to the Seef District, linking the gateway to the kingdom with one of its busiest commercial and retail areas.
The second line will extend from Juffair to the Educational District in Isa Town, passing through densely populated and strategically important zones.
Together, the two lines will include 20 stations, among them two major interchange stations, allowing seamless transfers between the routes.
These will be located in the Bahrain Financial Harbour area and at the Central Market in Manama.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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