The Saudi Railways Organization (SRO) has delayed the issuing of the first package of tenders for the high speed rail link between Makkah and Madinah until the end of August, a report said.

The tenders for the civil works contract were to be issued to six pre-qualified international consortiums in mid July.

However, the SRO has revealed that not all the six groups have yet received their certification to take part in the bidding from the municipalities ministry, the Meed report said.

Although the documentation is prepared, the SRO decided to delay beginning the process until after the August holiday break, it added.

’It is a simple administrative delay. Everything is ready to go once the holiday is over,’ said an SRO official.

The official said that it hopes to issue requests for proposals for all three contracts within six months.

As per report the civil works package is the first of three main contracts to build the $6 billion rail link.

It will be followed by tenders to build stations along the 444 km long route, and a third package to supply rolling stock, build the track and carry out operations and maintenance work.