Global infrastructure and development services corporation Louis Berger has been named the programme management office consultant (PMOC) for an ambitious transportation infrastructure initiative in Madinah, Saudi Arabia.

The SR375-million ($100 million) deal is the largest ever Mena (Middle East and North Africa) contract signed by the company.

Under this five-year contract, Louis Berger will support and assist Al Madinah Al Munawwarah Public Transportation Programme’s (MPTP) strategic planning that is aimed at meeting the expectations of pilgrims and residents alike through 2040.

The MPTP includes a comprehensive metro and bus network, as well as substantial upgrades and new construction for the primary road network. It also provides relevant facilities, such as stations, park-and-ride lots, depots, and advanced intelligent transportation systems.

As per the deal, the US-based company will also control, guide, oversee, co-ordinate and integrate service delivery of the various project and construction management consultants, any other consultants, advisors and third parties across MPTP projects.

Additionally, Louis Berger will be fully integrated with the Madinah Monawarah Development Authority (MMDA) management team, acting as one organisation.

The contract, which was signed yesterday between Prince Faisal bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the governor of Madinah region and chairman of MMDA, kicks off an ambitious phase of the project that will address the current and future challenges related to crowding, traffic congestion and environmental pollution caused by vehicle emissions.

Projections indicate as many as 8.6 million Umrah visitors and 3.6 million Hajj pilgrims will visit the city in 2040.

“We could not be prouder to be associated with MMDA in the implementation of the MPTP for the holy city of Madinah,” said D James Stamatis, president of Louis Berger’s international operations.

“The implementation of an advanced public transportation system will endow Madinah with one of the most advanced transportation systems in the world,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service