The new public transport system which will link Qatif, Dhahran and Dammam is set to cost USD $16.1 bn. The whole project will consist of light rail, metro, shuttle bus and bus services to tackle congestion right across the region. It is estimated that studies on the design and identification of stations along the routes […]
Prince Mishaal bin Abdullah, Governor of Mecca, has announced that the shortlist to design and build Mecca’s new metro system has been finalised. He approved it last week. Ten consortia have been invited to put in final tenders for one of two contracts. The consortia come from Europe and the Far East, and must file […]
Aecom Technology Corporation has won the preliminary design contract for the construction of the Jeddah Metro. The international technical and management support services company has 18 months to complete the USD $28 million contract. Aecom will supply expertise and staff to support the preliminary planning and design work for the infrastructure project. The project will […]
The Oman Railway Company (ORC) has received expressions of interest from 109 national and international companies with regard the design, build and technological aspects of the planned railway network. The shortlist of the tender applicants who have pre qualified will be announced in July with the final tender being put out in August. Sultanate officials […]
With Stage One of the UAE rail network complete, Etihad Rail is planning on awarding the Design and Build contract of Stage Two of the network, which will comprise of 630 km of new track. British engineering company Atkins has completed the first phase of the Stage Two contract, the preliminary engineering work. The next […]
Minister of Transport Abbas Aknoundi announced that an Iran - European railway link will be improved with the upgrade of the Tabriz - Miyaneh route. An additional line is being laid on the 200km route and though used by diesel locomotives at present, the Minister said that it can easily be electrified to allow high […]
With the creation of the GCC Railway network there has to be common standards in order for trains, passengers and cargo to cross the six nations involved in the project. This week, the Saudi Railway Company and Etihad Rail, the two authorities with the most advanced projects within the GCC Network, have announced the formation […]
The controversial system of employment of foreign labourers known as kafala is to be abolished in Qatar. Foreign labour has been used to build Qatar’s infrastructure and World Cup projects, including the Doha Metro. Under the reforms, labourers will now be allowed to leave the country or seek alternative employment if they so wish. Up […]
With Egypt’s railway network in urgent need of an upgrade right across the country, Egypt National Railways has asked for 10 billion Egypt Pounds (USD $1.4 bn) for the upgrade. By return it has been offered 6 billion Egypt Pounds (USD $850 million) by the Ministry of Planning for the financial year 2014-2015. It is […]
The Jeddah Metro Company has announced a 7 year plan to tackle congestion in the city and get citizens of the city out of their cars and onto public transport. New commuter railways and a metro will be built, with dedicated bus and ferry routes being put in place. 152 km of metro track will […]
