Plans underway to build second bridge connecting Bahrain and KSA
In a move to enhance the capacity of cargo trucks as well as the latest technologies to boost the export activities and custom processes between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, plans are underway to build a second bridge connecting the neighbouring GCC nations, following the success of the first bridge, King Fahd Causeway.
The news comes as a pilot scheme that used the latest smart technology to process trucks on the King Fahd Causeway between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia is set to be rolled out permanently after trucks were able to cross the bridge 12 times faster than before.
The fastened travel time will boost trade in a year as Bahrain expects to see ‘billions’ of dollars flowing back into its economy once the causeway reopens and tourists return.
Interestingly, the pilot scheme has been running since January 2020, and the causeway authority has inked an MoU with Saudi Arabian platform provider Tabadul, who will be responsible for rolling the scheme out to all cargo traffic on both sides of the border.
The platform will allow drivers to book appointments with customs authorities in both Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, making the crossing process much more efficient, which will help facilitate swifter trade between the two countries.
Commenting on the move, Dr Ali Al-Moulani, President of the Bahrain Economists Society said: “Trade between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain reached $2.9bn (SAR10.9bn) in 2020 – despite the movement of goods being restricted to essentials only for a few months at the height of the pandemic.
"This latest move by the Causeway Authority will improve efficiency for exporters and boost trade between both countries. Manufacturers and exporters will directly benefit from this investment in improved connectivity and advanced digital infrastructure.”
The move is a part of a package of transformational decisions taken to improve the movement of goods between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.
In 2020, the Bahrain Customs Authority automated data collection and installed AI-scanners that allowed shipment inspections to take place before cargo reached the border.
