/MUSCAT -- Plans for the development of a National Railway system in the Sultanate have attracted mammoth interest from local and international companies looking to pre-qualify for two key contracts linked to the multibillion-dollar project. Nearly 100 companies and organisations collected pre-qualification tenders by Wednesday's deadline set by the Tender Board for the purchase of these documents.
The vast majority have signalled a desire to pre-qualify for both contracts: to provide design and supervision consultancy services, and (ii) to provide Project Management Consultancy Services. Successful bidders stand to win prestigious multi-year contracts -- a minimum of four years for the Design and Supervision Consultant and seven years for the Project Management Consultant -- and a potential role in the future development of Oman's ambitious rail project.
Leading transport specialists and national rail organisations are among the huge line-up of companies eyeing the prestigious maiden rail contracts. The list includes Bechtel, SNC L:avalin, Systra, Worley Parsons, Parsons Brinckerhoff, Cowi & Partners, EGIS Rail, SNCF, Getinsa, ITALFERR, Korea Rail, SALCEF, FSDI China Railway, INECO, Eurofinsa, and Hyundai. Pre-qualification bids are due by May 30.
The Supreme Committee for Town Planning (SCTP) is spearheading the development of a National Freight and Passenger Railway System on behalf of Oman's government. The overall objective of the project, say authorities, is to stimulate the growth of industrial and tourism activities, as well as contribute to an efficient transportation system in the Sultanate. Development of the rail system is envisaged in a total of four phases.
The first phase covers a 280km section from the Port of Sohar to Muscat, with commuter stations planned at Sohar Port, Saham, Daqal, Al Khabourah, Al Hur, Al Hazm, Al Abyath and Al Misfah. Intercity Stations will also be established in Sohar City, Barka and Muscat. In Phase Two, the network will be extended 520 kilometres from Muscat to the Port of Duqm, currently under construction on the Wusta coast. Commuter stations on this stretch are proposed at Bid Bid, Samayil, Izki, Ibri, Sinaw and Mahawt, while an intercity station will be built at Duqm.
Phase three of the project envisages a 150km branch line from Sohar to Al Ain on the UAE side of the border. Commuter stations are planned at Wadi Jizzi and Sunayna, with an intercity station envisaged at Buraimi. Finally, in phase four, the Batinah line will be extended 50 kilometres from Sohar to the UAE border at Khatmat Malaha. Along this stretch are planned commuter stations at Liwa, Shinas, Al Aqar and Khatmat Malaha. The Batinah line will share a common corridor with the Batinah Expressway.
Significantly, the National Railway network will comprise a double track, standard-gauge (1,435mm) system with provision made for the introduction of high-speed trains, with speeds of up to 350 kilometres per hour (kph), in the future. Initially, however, passenger trains will be operated at speeds of 200 kph, while freight trains will run at speeds ranging from 80 to 120 kph. The trains will run on electrical power, supplied through overhead electrical infrastructure that will be built along the length of the network.
All four phases of the National Railway Project may be assigned to one or more pre-qualified bidders, say officials. The selected Design & Supervision Consultant will establish the system parameters, and operating plan and design standards, as well as prepare the preliminary design for all the elements of the railway project. Upon the approval of the Supreme Committee, the consultant will then proceed with the detailed design of the alignment and infrastructure; bridges, culverts and tunnels; railway stations and yards; rail track; and overhead electrical infrastructure, among other elements.
Additionally, the consultant will develop specifications for rolling stock and other systems. The selected project management consultant, on the other hand, will supervise the project phases and system aspects necessary for the planning and engineering of the system, as well as the design, construction and commissioning of the rail project. The consultant will be required to draw on state-of-the-art international technology for rolling stock, control system, maintenance workshops and depots.
By Conrad Prabhu
© Oman Daily Observer 2010
