Developers and contractors are closely watching the next step that Qatar’s Transport Ministry will take on the planned $12bn Sharq Crossing project.

In 2015, a team comprising Qatar National Bank (QNB), UK-based Arup and PWC won the consultancy contract that involves value engineering, setting financial architecture and formulating a contract strategy for the execution of the project.

It is understood that the study has been completed, although no official confirmations have been made by either the client or contractors. Unconfirmed rerports have also indicated that the project could be revived soon on a build, operate, transfer (BOT) basis.

However, a source familiar with the project tells MEED that a BOT model is unlikely to work unless the project is re-scoped to take into account Qatar’s small population and overall low car ownership ratio. 

The landmark Sharq Crossing scheme is one of the biggest infrastructure schemes planned in Qatar. The proposed scheme involves building three bridges interconnected by subsea tunnels across Doha Bay, which, when completed, will link Doha’s new Hamad International airport with the city’s cultural district of Katara and the central business area of West Bay.

Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava prepared the concept designs for the bridges for the 12-kilometre-long crossing.

The scheme was officially announced in December 2013. The Public Works Authority (Ashghal) began prequalifying contractors for a number of packages the following year. However, progress slowed later that year and the decision not to hire a consultant to prepare the tender documents led to a speculation that the project has been put on hold.

Sources close to the project said in 2015 that although the Transport Ministry, which was formed in 2014, was reviewing the project, Ashghal is still responsible for the delivery.