A consortium led by Germany's Siemens has been awarded a contract valued at DM 510 million ($311 million) in total for the first stage of the Bursa metro. The consortium also comprises the local Simko, Guris and Tuvasas, and Italy's Ansaldo Trasporti. The contract, which was awarded on 31 January by the Bursa Metropolitan Municipality, will take effect after being approved by the Treasury Undersecretariat. Works will start immediately after approval has been given. The German government has extended a concessionary loan of DM 147 million ($89.8 million) for the project with a 30-year duration and a 10-year grace period (MEED 17:1:97).

Siemens is to manage the project, supply electrical and other equipment, and deliver components for the local assembly of 48 railway cars for the 21-kilometre line. Ansaldo will supply signalling, telecommunications and rail materials for the project.

A second contract for the supply and installation of mechanical and electrical equipment for the first stage of the Istanbul metro is expected to be signed soon. A consortium led by Cegelec of France was low bidder (MEED 13:12:96). The consortium also includes Cengiz and Albayrak, both local.