Bahrain remains commited to its domestic rail project, and is planning to make a key decision by the end of this year.

Speaking to MEED on the sidelines of the Gateway Gulf investment forum on 3 November, Minister of Transport and Telecommunications Sheikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al-Khalifa said that rail remains a priority, and after conducting a review of the project, the ministry will make a decision on the mode of transport. The two options being considered are metro and monorail.

Spanish firm Ayesa conducted the review.

Bahrain was planning to tender the first phase of its domestic rail network in 2023, and 11 groups had prequalified to bid for the project. They are:

• Alstom Transport (France)
• Aradous Energy Generations Company (local)    
• China Harbour Engineering Company (China)
• China Railway Group (China)     
• CRRC (Hong Kong office)
• Hyundai Engineering & Construction (South Korea)         
• Larsen & Toubro (India)
• Orascom Construction (Egypt)
• Plenary Asia (Australia)
• Taqi Mohammed Albahrana Trading (local)         
• Virtue Global Holding (UAE)

The first phase of the network comprises two lines with a total length of 29 kilometres and 20 stations connecting Muharraq, Manama, the Diplomatic Area, Juffair, Seef District, Tubli, Adhari and Isa Town.

In total there are four phases planned with a total length of 109 kilometres.

The project's first phase was expected to be carried out with the private sector as an integrated public-private partnership (PPP). The transport and telecommunications ministry appointed a team of financial, technical and legal advisers led by KPMG to act as the lead transaction advisers. Other firms working on the scheme include law firm DLA Piper and French engineering firm Egis.

Bahrain is also planning regional rail projects. There are two causeway links planned for the island. The King Hamad Causeway will connect to Saudi Arabia, and another causeway will connect with Qatar.