Bahrain’s Transport & Telecommunications Ministry expects to issue the request for proposal (RFP) for the transaction advisory contract for the first phase of the Bahrain light rail network project this month, a source familiar with the scheme tells MEED.

The ministry previously intended to issue the tender before the close of 2018.

MEED reported that Bahrain appointed a US-based consultant early last year to draft the tender document.

Spanish firm Idom Consulting Engineering Architecture completed the scheme’s detailed study in early 2018.

The $2.43m contract with Idom covers: a study of the existing transport system in Bahrain; preparing plans for a proposed network and phases; selecting the best technology for the different phases; the preliminary design of the first phase of the network; the cost of implementing phase 1; and the best method to procure phase 1 of the network.

The study was initially expected to be completed in September 2017. However, the contract was extended due to the ministry’s request for more detailed work in terms of the specifications, alignment and number of stations, as well as the financial business case and the preparation of prequalification documents.

The light rail scheme is part of Bahrain’s Public Transport Masterplan 2030, which recommended the development of 184 kilometres of transit network comprising six lines. The entire project is to be implemented in a phased manner until 2030.

MEED understands phase 1 of the light rail transit project will extend 30km and have 20 stations.