Arriyadh Development Authority (ADA) is set to shortlist bidders by October for the contracts to operate and manage (O&M) the Riyadh Metro.

This follows a final round of submissions from bidders, which is expected on 4 May.

ADA has said two to three firms are expected to operate and manage the scheme’s six lines.

It received offers for the contracts in December last year.

Companies that were prequalified to bid for the tender include:

• SMRT (Singapore)
• Serco (UK)
• Korail (South Korea)
• RATP (France)
• Keolis (France)
• Ansaldo / Hitachi (Italy/Japan)
• QDVC (Qatar)

Three Riyadh Metro packages, collectively worth $23bn, were awarded to separate consortiums in 2013, with 2018 set as the target completion date for all lines at the time. A 12-month delay has been anticipated, with 2019 set as the new target completion date.

The completed metro network will be 176.5 kilometres long (7.8km as a common section for Line 4 and Line 6), with underground, elevated and at-grade sections. It will have a total of 85 stations and 25 park-and-ride locations.