The Kuwait Metro project, a long-awaited development, has faced many challenges, leading to criticisms from the State Audit Bureau (SAB) for the numerous procedures and meetings over the past decade. The SAB reports highlighted the costs spent on consultations and criticized the previous decision to cancel the project due to its high cost.

Sources from the Public Authority for Roads and Transportation (PART) confirmed the Metro project is still in their plans but has been postponed until the authority’s organizational structure is complete and leadership positions are filled. PART faced difficult circumstances, including attempts by some ministers to abolish it and merge it back into the Ministry of Public Works. These efforts were blocked by the Public Utilities and Budgets committees in the National Assembly, which helped prevent the abolition and contributed to the suspension of many PART projects, including the Metro.

Initially, the project was under the Kuwait Public-Private Partnership Authority (KPPPA), but it was later transferred to PART, which is now responsible for its study and implementation. No decision has been made yet on whether to proceed. The KPPPA conducted a study approved by the Kuwait Municipality, but the Municipal Council has not issued a decision.

The Kuwait Metro is envisioned as a rapid transportation system connecting various parts of Kuwait City. It will be implemented in five stages, covering 160 kilometers with 68 stations. The first stage will include 50 kilometers and 27 stations, with a maintenance depot linking Bidaa to Sharq. PART reviewed the feasibility study from 2016 and prepared a scope of services to complete the design for the first stage.

Future plans include modifying public transport lines to connect residential areas and commercial complexes to metro stations, strengthening the metro’s role in public transportation. The recommendation is to implement the project through the design-build system.