The first phase will link the northern port and industrial area of Sohar and Barka to the north of Muscat, where the government plans to establish a logistics hub.

It will initially be used for goods and cargo and will have a length of about 200 kilometres. The second phase of the project will involve an extension of the line running south to Duqm where another major port and industrial zone are planned. The project is still in the early stages and a feasibility study has not yet been carried out.

Abu Dhabi is planning a similar scheme that will connect the emirate to the rest of the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The 350 km first phase of the scheme will involve the construction of a cargo rail line from the Saudi border through Ruwais to Abu Dhabi island (MEED 1:2:08).