Manama: As part of government efforts to enhance service quality and reengineer procedures, the Urban Planning and Development Authority (UPDA) developed Traffic Impact and Safety Study review and approval services (TIA/TIS 1-2). The updated services include Traffic Impact Safety Studies (TIS 1-2) for urban development projects generating between 100 and 500 peak-hour trips. These studies assess project access and exits, ensure compliance with approved parking designs, regulate internal traffic movement, and evaluate nearby intersections when required, in accordance with applicable standards.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the updated services also involve Traffic Impact Assessments (TIA) for urban development projects exceeding 500 peak-hour trips, focusing on evaluating the project's strategic impact on road networks and major intersections. Under the enhanced services, the duration for reviewing and approving TIS 1-2 studies has been reduced from 25 days to 10 days, a 60% reduction, alongside fewer required documents and a reduction in service steps from five to three. The review and approval period for TIA studies has also been reduced from 35 days to 15 days, a 57% reduction, with fewer required documents and a decrease in service steps from 10 to six, enhancing procedural efficiency and improving service delivery.
Ahmed Abdulaziz Al Khayat, Chief Executive Officer of UPDA, stated that the services are part of the authority's adoption of solutions aimed at improving procedural efficiency and accelerating transaction completion, contributing to improved quality and efficiency of services. Al Khayat added that the development reflects UPDA's commitment to enhancing its services in ways that reduce time and effort for institutions and strengthen the effectiveness of the work system.
As part of ongoing government efforts to develop and re-engineer government services, more than 1,300 government services have been documented, translated, and published, with around 800 services undergoing development and re-engineering across various government sectors. This is based on proposals and feedback received regarding government services through the National System for Suggestions and Complaints, Tawasul, investor feedback, and secret shopper reports evaluating government services, as well as the launch of guidance manuals and service level agreements.
These efforts contribute to improving procedural efficiency, enhancing service quality, strengthening beneficiary experience, and supporting the government's digital transformation journey.