Saudi Gazette
JEDDAH — Motorists using highways in Saudi Arabia have begun enjoying pleasing moments during their long trips as the authorities have successfully executed a project for the renovation and modernization of gas stations complexes, commonly known in Arabic as Istiraha (rest stops).
So far 155 fuel and service stations were renovated and they are managed by leading international and regional petroleum marketing companies, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs.
It said the objective was to revamp total of 178 service stations by the end of 2018 and 280 by 2020.
The ministry noted that eight high traffic-density roads were identified to implement the modernization scheme, in addition to the highways linking the two holy mosques.
The 1,370-km prime road that links Dammam, Riyadh, Taif, Makkah and Jeddah; the 1,257-km Riyadh-Qassim-Hail-Jouf-Qurayyat highway; the Salwa-Hofuf Road, which is a 322-km gateway to the rest of Gulf region; the 592-km Qassim-Madinah-Yanbu road; the Taif- Makkah-Madinah-Tabuk-Halar Ammar road stretching 1,293 km; and the 722-km Riyadh-Bisha Road were identified to implement the modernization scheme.
The ministry said the renovation process was carried out in gradual manner. Overall compliance with the renovation is 40 percent and the ministry is aiming to increase it to 60 percent by 2020, it added.
Gas stations with support services such as tire puncture, oil change, electrician, grocery store, restaurants, mosque, toilets for men and women and an inn are common feature on the Kingdom›s highways.
Some hundreds of such facilities lack basic facilities, leaving travelers with no other options.
Stations classified as A and B are required to modify their design to meet new criteria set by the ministry. It is also mandatory to enter into a maintenance agreement with one the new companies authorized by the ministry.
Failing to comply with new specifications, scores of gas stations on Riyadh-Makkah highway, the prime highway in the Kingdom, have been closed by joint inspections teams. Similar punitive measures have been initiated in the eastern, central and other provinces, sources added.
The Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs has set high standards for the construction and maintenance of complexes of gas stations.
A dozen regional business groups such as ENOC of Dubai, Oman Oil of Muscat and local leaders Al-Drees, SASCO, NAFT and Petromin are allowed by the ministry to operate fuel station complexes. These firms are expected to bring their rich expertise, improved services and new investment that will serve motorists better and professionally.
