Consultancy contract for Abu Dhabi metro project nears

28 August 2009

Department of Transport makes recommendation to Executive Council over rail scheme

Abu Dhabi’s Department of Transport has sent its recommendation for a consultant for the metro project to the emirate’s Executive Council for approval.

Once the Executive Council gives its approval, the department will award the contract.

Under the contract, the consultant will carry out a feasibility study and outline design for the metro, followed by a detailed design of the network and its stations, and supervision of the eventual construction of the metro.

The Department of Transport shortlisted various groups for the contract in July.

They were the Adapt consortium of US-based Aecom, Germany’s DB International and US-based Parsons Brinckerhoff; UK-based Atkins with Australia’s Bovis Lend Lease; Lebanon’s Dar al-Handasah (Shair & Partners), France’s Egis and two Spanish firms, Gestisa and Ineco Tifsa; and a consortium led by UK-based Mott MacDonald with US-based Parsons International and the UK’s Halcrow.

The final two groups are the Adim consortium of France’s Coteba, Lebanon’s Khatib & Alami, and four German firms, Obermeyer, ILF Consulting Engineers, Hamburg Consult and Dornier; and a consortium led by France’s Systra with UK-based Arup, Denmark’s Cowi, and UK-based Foster & Partners.

The metro is Abu Dhabi’s largest infrastructure project and could cover hundreds of kilometres of lines serving Abu Dhabi Island and new developments adjacent to the city.

According to sources bidding for the project, the Department of Transport plans to have two circular lines.

The first will serve Abu Dhabi International airport, Al-Raha Beach, Abu Dhabi Island, Saadiyat Island and Yas Island.

The second will connect Abu Dhabi Island, Mussafah and Mohammed bin Zayed City.

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