Oman is inviting prequalified consultants to submit bids by 7 November for the contract to carry out the design for the national railway project.

The contract also covers the supervision of construction. The client on the project, the Supreme Committee for Town Planning, has prequalified about 10 companies to bid for the deal.

Companies submit prequalification documents for the design package in May 2010 (MEED 13:4:10). However, the progress of the project was delayed earlier this year due to the protests in Oman. As part of reforms, Sultan Qaboos bin Said al-Said sacked the National Economy minister Ahmed Macki, who was also the chairman of the railway executive board.

The client on the project, the Supreme Committee for Town Planning, has prequalified about 10 companies to bid for the deal

In May 2010, consultants also submitted bids for a second contract, which covered project management consultancy. However, companies who submitted prequalification documents for this contract have not heard any news on its progress from the client.

The railway project is due to be constructed in three phases. The first phase will comprise a 230-kilometre line that runs from Sohar to Muscat. The second phase will be a 560km line running from Muscat to Duqm. Oman may then choose to extend the line to Salalah, which would involve building a 580km track.