Oman’s transport ministry has awarded three contracts, totalling OMR64.1m ($166m) for road upgrades in the region.

The contracts are part of a plan to convert the Nizwa to Thumrait road into a dual carriageway, according to meed.com.

Indian firm Larsen & Toubro and two local companies Nasr Arabian and Oman Gulf have won the contract.

Larsen & Toubro is expected to rehabilitate 30km of road and bridges for OMR8.1m ($21m).

The work is scheduled for completion in 2011.

Nasr Arabian and Oman Gulf Company are expected to be involved in road improvement works and construction of new junctions.

The companies are scheduled to complete the works in two-and-a-half years time.