Jeddah: Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Ports Authority (Mawani) Saleh Al-Jasser laid the foundation stone today for a strategic logistics corridor connecting Jeddah Islamic Port to the Al-Khomra Logistics Zone.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the ceremony was attended by Chairman of Mawani Eng. Sulaiman Al-Mazroua, along with senior officials and leaders from the Kingdom's transport and logistics sector. The project, valued at more than SAR689 million, involves the construction of a 17-kilometer dedicated logistics lane for trucks, featuring two lanes in each direction and 12 bridges along the route. The corridor is designed to facilitate the seamless movement of cargo between Jeddah Islamic Port and Al-Khomra Logistics Zone, eliminating the need to utilize the city's internal road network.

"This direct logistics corridor will significantly enhance operational efficiency, increase the port's handling capacity by 10%, and support the integration of various transportation modes," said Al-Jasser. "It will also play a key role in optimizing supply chain operations and improving overall infrastructure."

He noted that the project is expected to reduce congestion in Jeddah by diverting truck traffic away from public roads, thereby improving road safety and reducing environmental impact through lower emissions. The corridor will also feature emergency exits, maintenance access points, and a comprehensive rainwater drainage system. It is expected to deliver wide-ranging benefits to logistics companies, importers, exporters, and shipping lines by streamlining container movement, boosting supply chain performance, and opening new investment opportunities in the region.