The client and contractors are currently in discussions on scaling back some non-essential associated works for one station at the $5.9bn Line 3 of the Riyadh Metro.

These associated works, which are currently being reviewed for value engineering purposes, could include small commercial areas only at one station of Line 3, says a source close to the project. “We are not and we will not be scaling down any of the essential components of Line 3,” the source added.

The contractor said it is too early to quantify the value that will be saved by submitting certain scope of the projects to a new value engineering exercise.

Awarded in 2013, Line 3 (Red Line) of the Riyadh Metro stretches 40.9 kilometres from the Madina al-Munawra to Amir Saad bin Abdul to Rahman al-Awal Road.

The total scheme comprises six lines totalling 176 kilometres long with 85 stations. All six lines are currently under construction with completion dates set between 2018 and 2019. The plan includes four main stations and five transfer stations. Total project value exceeds $23bn.

The client, the Arriyadh Development Authority (ADA), plans to deploy the most advanced technology solutions for the project. These would include a centralised transportation control centre for all customer contact and an operational control centre for each metro line.