Ride into the future with us

MANAMA: The multi-billion ‘future proofed’ Bahrain Metro project will be open to international investors during a major event next week.

The Transportation and Telecommunications Ministry announced it will host a global virtual event entitled: Bahrain Metro Market Consultation, on March 2, to introduce the project to international and regional players.

The project, with an estimated cost between $1bn and $2bn, will cover a total area of 109km with four transit lines to be developed in phases.

“The ministry is looking to collaborate with the private sector on a public private partnership (PPP) basis to encourage innovation, bring efficiencies and provide the best value for money for this project,” stated the ministry.

“Phase one comprises two lines with an estimated length of 28.6km and includes 20 stations with two interchanges.

“The two lines aim to connect the key transit points including the airport as well as major residential, commercial and educational areas in Bahrain.”

The proposed metro stations in the red corridor include Seef District, Manama, Bahrain Bay, Muharraq and the Bahrain International Airport. The blue corridor covers Juffair, Diplomatic Area, Manama, Al Farouq Junction, Salmaniya, Adhari, Isa Town and the Educational Area.

Interchanges proposed are at Bab Al Bahrain and Central Market stations.

The GDN previously reported that three other station locations planned are at King Hamad University Hospital, Muharraq Health Centre and Oasis Mall.

The ministry stated in the virtual event promotional material that it had appointed a team comprising KPMG as lead and financial adviser, Egis as technical adviser and DLA Piper as legal advisers.

The state-of-the-art transport network will be a fully automated driverless system.

The rail lines will link into the upcoming 25km King Hamad International Station and join the GCC railway network.

Bahrain’s nationwide monorail network was first proposed and approved by the Cabinet in 2008 and at times looked to be on the rails. Now, however, it’s full steam ahead, gaining momentum as a post-Covid international project.

Interest in getting involved in the project has already been expressed by the Japanese, as reported in yesterday’s GDN.

Source: https://www.gdnonline.com/Details/936989/Ride-into-the-future-with-us