Bahrain launches procurement process to build national metro network

February 24, 2021: Bahrain’s ministry of transportation and telecommunications (MTT) has announced the launch of a new procurement process for the construction of the Bahrain Metro Project – a multi-billion dollar project to develop public transport network across the country with fully automated, driverless technology.

The $1.2 trillion wider plan of GCC
The Bahrain metro project is the latest in a long line of large-scale projects in Bahrain, worth $32 billion, that will transform the transportation, industrial, hospitality and retail sectors through public and private investments. Most recently the $1.1 billion 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. Bahrain’s project pipeline is part of the wider $1.2 trillion worth of infrastructure development projects currently planned or underway across the GCC.

National Metro Project
The ministry is seeking to partner with global and regional industry players on a public-private-partnership (PPP) basis. To this end, MTT will host a ‘Global Market Virtual Sounding Forum’ to introduce the project, and engage in dialogue with 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 competitive bidding process. MTT has appointed a team of financial, technical, and legal advisors led by KPMG to act as the lead transaction advisors.

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

Kamal bin Ahmed Mohamed, minister of transportation and telecommunications said, “The ministry is looking to collaborate with the private sector on a public-private partnership basis to encourage innovation, create efficiencies and provide the best value for money for this project. This approach is reflective of our leadership’s commitment to enable the private sector’s active participation in the economy with the government acting as a facilitator and regulator.”

“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 economic development and serve our citizens, residents and visitors. 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 Bahrain.”