Karwa Motors kicks off work on 5,000 school-bus order

MUSCAT: Karwa Motors, a partnership of Oman Investment Authority (OIA) and Mawasalat Qatar, has announced the start of production of an estimated 5,000 school buses for the local education sector.

The announcement, which came in a post by Karwa Motors’ CEO Dr Ibrahim bin Ali al Balushi, is in line with agreements signed earlier this year with a number of government ministries and state institutions, effectively positioning the Duqm-based automaker as the country’s number one supplier of buses for government schools and public sector enterprises.

“Work has started on the production of school buses for the local market – 1,000 buses annually for the next five year,” Dr Al Balushi remarked.

Earlier in March, Karwa Motors signed agreements with Oman’s Ministry of Education and the Development Bank covering the assembly and supply of 5,000 school buses designed to high standards of roadworthiness and safety. Envisioned for delivery at the rate of 1,000 buses per annum, the new ‘Made in Oman’ vehicles will replace school buses coming to the end of their operational lives.

Following another agreement reached with the Government Tender Board, Karwa Motors will also receive preferential treatment in procurements of buses by public sector companies and ministries.

Both sets of pacts promise to place Karwa Motors on a strong growth trajectory in line with the Omani government’s vision to reduce the country’s dependence on imports.

Since the start of operations in 2021, starting with the delivery of buses for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the company has also begun diversifying its assembly line. Earlier this year, it began delivery of buses designed for intercity commutes to local transport companies.

Last September, it signed an agreement with TAG Duqm, an affiliate of US-based The Armored Group (TAG), to collaborate in the production of armoured vehicles at the Duqm facility. TAG specializes in the production and supply of reinforced, bullet-proof vehicles catering to law enforcement and military, personal protection and the cash-in-transit service providers.