Bahrain seeks PPP partner to build national metro network

Bahrain has launched a procurement process for the construction of the Bahrain Metro. The multi-billion-dollar project seeks to develop a rail transport network across the kingdom through a public-private partnership (PPP).

To this end, Bahrain’s Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications (MTT) will host a ‘Global Market Virtual Sounding Forum’ to introduce the project to key players within the global construction industry. The forum will be held during the first week of March 2021 and will be followed later in the year by the project’s tendering via a global bidding process.

MTT has appointed a team of financial, technical, and legal advisors led by KPMG to act as lead transaction advisors.

The project will consist of developing a 109km urban rail transit network in a phased manner comprising of four transit lines. Phase one comprises two lines with an estimated length of 28.6 km and includes 20 stations with two interchanges. The two lines will connect key transit points including Bahrain International Airport as well as major residential areas, commercial areas and school districts in Bahrain.

“We have been working in full force on a complete transportation infrastructure improvement strategy covering land, air and sea, to both support and drive the kingdom’s economic development and serve our citizens, residents and visitors,” said Kamal bin Ahmed Mohamed, Bahrain Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications.

“Through the Bahrain Metro project, MTT aspires to apply the latest technology that is up to international standards. This marks an important milestone as it will improve the quality of life of citizens by providing a fast, comfortable, reliable, and sustainable transportation system in the kingdom of Bahrain.”

Read: Bahrain completes first phase of Dhs3.7bn airport modernisation project

The Bahrain Metro Project is the latest in a series of large-scale projects in Bahrain, worth $32bn within the transportation, industrial, hospitality and retail sectors through public and private investments.

This list includes a $7.5bn investment across the manufacturing, energy, healthcare and education sectors. Government holding companies will also be investing over $10bn across projects within the aluminium and oil and gas sectors. Projects include the recently completed Alba Line 6 Expansion project, Bapco modernisation project, A-B pipeline, and LNG Terminal.

Work is also set to begin on the $4bn King Hamad Causeway project following the appointment in October 2019 of a consultancy consortium to start developing the financial model and other requirements necessary for construction. Most recently the $1.1bn Bahrain International Airport expansion has now been completed, with the new terminal ready and operational. The second phase of the expansion will focus on the new Cargo Express Village, which will offer direct access to airside and freighter parking, set to be completed in the second half of this year.