Rail Link Between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia Discussed

Discussions are taking place with a view to exploring the possibilities of developing a rail link between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, linking Alkhobar with Manama.

Representatives of the Gulf Cooperation Council, Causeway Authorities from both sides and interested private companies are discussing the ambitious idea, which would be valued at around $4.2bn. The proposed route is parallel to the King Fahd Causeway, and would provide an alternative to ease congestion along that route.

The proposal is that there should be a build-operate-transfer option, with the project eventually passing onto a private sector consortium.

The discussions arise from the hope that the development of the rail link would help advance economic development in the Gulf as it has done in Europe, the Americas and the Far East.

Transport Ministry acting Under-Secretary Shaikh Bader bin Khalifa Al Khalifa said “It will be a private sector project which is overlooked by the government.”

The feasibility report is expected to be available by the end of 2014 with the aim of the project being operational in 2017.

This is part of the ambitious plans to build rail links between all the Gulf countries.