Bahrain's Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications has announced the launch of tenders for the appointment of a transaction advisor and consultancy services firm for Phase One of its ambitious Bahrain Metro Project.

The mega project, which is estimated to cost between $1 billion and $2 billion, is likely to be built with private participation, said senior government officials.

The move comes following the completion of a feasibility study for the project, which is in line with the kingdom’s ambitions to attract foreign investment and diversify its economy.

The Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications said the winning firm will be required to provide financial, technical and legal consultancy services to prepare documents for the tender of the design, construction and operation of Phase One of the metro project.

These transaction advisory services will include (but not be limited to) providing support to the ministry in the preparation of documents, tender, evaluation and appointment of the preferred bidder, said the ministry in a tender notification.

Tenders were launched on February 13 and the last date for submitting the bids is May 29.

The Bahrain Metro is part of the kingdom's Public Transport Masterplan 2030, which has recommended the development of 184 km of transit network comprising six lines, according to a recent report in the Arabic daily Al Ayam.

The project is being implemented in four phases. In Phase One, two lines - running 30 km - will be constructed covering 20 stations, said the report, citing a senior ministry official.

The Red Line would connect Bahrain International Airport with the suburban Seef District through the Bahrain Financial Harbour, while the Blue Line would start from the Juffair suburb and go through the Diplomatic Area before ending at Isa Town, revealed the official.

Both lines would meet at a central station at the Bahrain Financial Harbour, he added.

According to him, these driverless trains will be carrying a total of 43,000 passengers every hour. Connected to buses and taxi services, it is aimed at helping reduce the kingdom's traffic congestion and air pollution.

Once all the four phases get completed, the metro is set to cover about 109 km, he added.-TradeArabia News Service