Salalah’s New Tunnel Opens with 7 Service Roads and 4 U-Turns

6 July 2025
Oman’s Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology officially inaugurated the Atin Tunnel project in Salalah on Friday, a key infrastructure initiative valued at over OMR 11 million. The project is part of the national strategy to enhance the road network in Dhofar Governorate and was opened to traffic today.

Accelerated Progress and Local Implementation
The ministry confirmed that 97% of the project has been completed, which is 24% ahead of the initial schedule. The tunnel and its associated works were executed entirely by an Omani local company, underscoring the capabilities of domestic contractors in delivering large-scale infrastructure.

Technical Highlights of the Project

• A twin tunnel measuring 1.35 km for uninterrupted traffic flow
• Expansion of 18th November Street to four lanes in each direction over 2.7 km
• Four U-turn roadways totaling 1.3 km in length
• Seven dedicated service roads, with carefully designed entry and exit points to ensure smooth traffic

Strategic Importance and Urban Impact
The Atin Tunnel project is a major step toward alleviating traffic congestion during the Khareef season in Dhofar. It is also expected to enhance road safety, support economic development, and accommodate urban growth in Salalah. The project reflects the government’s commitment to providing modern infrastructure in line with Oman’s development goals.