Saudi Arabia and Bahrain plan to construct King Hamad Bridge, a new 25-kilometers causeway above the sea linking the two countries at an estimated cost of more than USD 533 million (SAR 2 billion), according to media reports on Sunday.
"The new bridge will be 25 kilometers long, parallel to King Fahd Causeway from the north and will cost more than USD 533 million (SAR 2 billion)," Kamal bin Ahmed, Minister for Transport, Bahrain told the Saudi Arabic daily Al Eqtisadiah.
The bridge, named after Bahrain's monarch, will be constructed parallel to the 25-kilometers King Fahd Causeway, which was built in 1986 over the Gulf waters at a cost of nearly USD 800 million (SAR 3 billion), added the paper.
"We have completed preliminary studies and finalized the direction (of the project)," said Ahmed adding that the two countries had approved the project and that officials from the two sides would meet later to discuss 'measures to execute it.'
The new causeway, part of a 2,170-kilometers rail network planned by the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), would include two separate lanes for trains and vehicles.
In another report, Ahmed told the Bahrain's Arabic daily Alayam the two countries have already approached a local consultant company to conduct a technical and environment study for the project in collaboration with the ministries of transport and finance in both countries and the King Fahd Causeway Authority.
Ahmed said the rail on King Hamad Causeway would provide passenger and cargo services, adding that this would contribute to increasing trade and investment between the two neighbors and ease congestion on the bustling King Fahd Causeway, which includes only vehicle service.
He did not say when the project would start or a tentative completion date, but added that the planned talks with the Saudis would cover the project's costs and other details.
© Zawya Projects News 2014
