Work on the $4-billion King Hamad Causeway, connecting Bahrain to Saudi Arabia, is set to kick off by mid-2021 and will be completed in three years, reported Arab News, citing the Saudi ambassador to Bahrain.

"The tender for the King Hamad Causeway will be launched after six months," Abdullah Al Shaikh told the Saudi daily.

Al Shaikh estimated that the cost of the project ranges between $3 and $4 billion, adding that it will act as a new link between the two countries and will contribute to boosting trade in all fields, stated Al Shaikh.

The causeway will also include a rail line for the GCC network, cargo trains and vehicle, he added.