Kuwait's Ministry of Public Works has announced plans to impose a toll for using the new Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmad Bridge, which is expected to be inaugurated by the end of 2018.

The causeway is considered one of the longest bridges in the world, with a total length of 43.14 km. It shorten the distance between Kuwait City and the Subiya area from the present 104 km to 37.5 km for drivers, said a report in Al Arabia English website.

Public Works Minister Abdul Rahman Al Mutawa, in a memo to the Council of Ministers, has requested the implementation of the toll, it said.

The move follows a research into similar practices in the region. The ministry found out that most countries in the Gulf region, Asia and Europe which have similar bridges are collecting fees to cover the costs of operation.

The toll will also benefit the state economically as well as provide the operating and maintenance expenses needed, it said.