At least three international consultancy firms are competing for the feasibility study contract for Bahrain’s planned light rail scheme.

Consultants that are understood to have submitted an offer include:

• Aecom (US)
• Parsons Corporation (US)
• WSP/Parsons Brinckerhoff (Canada)

An award is expected in July, according to one of the consultants.

Another consultant tells MEED he expects the award to take longer than expected.

The project scope will include identifying the network development phases, routes, specification and technology, different procurement options, budget and drafting a request for prequalification (RFP), which will set the minimum functional requirements for the first phase.

Bahrain’s Transport & Telecoms Minister Kamal bin Ahmed Mohammed told MEED in February that the study would most likely take one year, which will be followed by the procurement phase where the private sector is likely to be involved.

The study is expected to include looking into issues such as land allocation, due to the high level of congestion in Bahrain’s main city Manama.

Bahrain’s light rail project will be integrated into the state’s bus network, which was rolled out in July 2015.

Mohammed also said in February that his ministry continues to work closely with Saudi Arabia in undertaking the required studies for the Hamad Causeway rail link, which will eventually comprise its link to the planned GCC Railway network.