10 October 2011
MUSCAT -- A much-awaited tender for the selection of a Project Management Consultant for the development of a National Railway system in the Sultanate is due to be floated in the coming weeks.
According to an official of the Ministry of Transport and Communications, which has taken over implementation of the strategic project from the Supreme Committee for Town Planning (SCTP), the keenly anticipated tender is expected to be floated before the end of this month.
Authorities overseeing the rail project had originally targeted a mid-year timeframe for the selection of the Project Manager, as well as a Design Consultant, for the multi-billion dollar rail network. But the dissolution of the National Economy Ministry, as well as the cabinet reshuffle earlier this year had led to inevitably delays in the competitive process surrounding these key appointments.
However, the tendering process was revived last month following the transfer of the rail portfolio to the Ministry of Transport and Communications. A much-delayed tender for the selection of a railway design consultant has since been floated, with all 10 prequalified companies looking to bid for this prestigious contract. Bids are due in by November 7, 2011.
Ten international firms, whose identities have not been officially disclosed yet, have also been prequalified to participate in the equally coveted Project Management Consultancy tender due to be floated soon. Many of the contenders for the Design Consultancy contract are also likely to figure on the shortlist of prequalified bidders for the Project Management contract, although it's unlikely that any one company will bag both contracts.
The successful bidder stands to win a seven-year contract as Project Manager of the massive venture, with the likelihood of a more substantive role in the future development of the project.
The Project Manager's main brief is to 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. A key part of its remit is to conceive and develop a suitable structure for a National Railway Organisation for the Sultanate of Oman.
In addition, the consultant will draw up a strategy for the operation and maintenance of the rail system, either by developing an organisation to undertake this responsibility or through the award of a concession or contract.
The consultant will be required to draw on state-of-the-art international technology for rolling stock, control system, maintenance workshops and depots.
Besides, the procurement and commissioning of all rolling stock and machinery for the rail project will be overseen by the project manager.
Oman's National Railway System is part of the proposed inter-GCC railway network that will run from Kuwait to Muscat, and onward to Salalah and possibly to Yemen.
In the first phase, a 240 km section will be developed from the industrial hub of Sohar to Muscat, followed by a 486 km coastal rail network from Muscat to Duqm in the second phase.
In later phases, an extension from Duqm to Salalah (696 km), and possibly from Duqm to Al Mazyounah Free Trade Zone close to Oman's border with Yemen, are envisaged. A branch line linking Sohar with Al Ain on the UAE border is on the cards as well.
MUSCAT -- A much-awaited tender for the selection of a Project Management Consultant for the development of a National Railway system in the Sultanate is due to be floated in the coming weeks.
According to an official of the Ministry of Transport and Communications, which has taken over implementation of the strategic project from the Supreme Committee for Town Planning (SCTP), the keenly anticipated tender is expected to be floated before the end of this month.
Authorities overseeing the rail project had originally targeted a mid-year timeframe for the selection of the Project Manager, as well as a Design Consultant, for the multi-billion dollar rail network. But the dissolution of the National Economy Ministry, as well as the cabinet reshuffle earlier this year had led to inevitably delays in the competitive process surrounding these key appointments.
However, the tendering process was revived last month following the transfer of the rail portfolio to the Ministry of Transport and Communications. A much-delayed tender for the selection of a railway design consultant has since been floated, with all 10 prequalified companies looking to bid for this prestigious contract. Bids are due in by November 7, 2011.
Ten international firms, whose identities have not been officially disclosed yet, have also been prequalified to participate in the equally coveted Project Management Consultancy tender due to be floated soon. Many of the contenders for the Design Consultancy contract are also likely to figure on the shortlist of prequalified bidders for the Project Management contract, although it's unlikely that any one company will bag both contracts.
The successful bidder stands to win a seven-year contract as Project Manager of the massive venture, with the likelihood of a more substantive role in the future development of the project.
The Project Manager's main brief is to 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. A key part of its remit is to conceive and develop a suitable structure for a National Railway Organisation for the Sultanate of Oman.
In addition, the consultant will draw up a strategy for the operation and maintenance of the rail system, either by developing an organisation to undertake this responsibility or through the award of a concession or contract.
The consultant will be required to draw on state-of-the-art international technology for rolling stock, control system, maintenance workshops and depots.
Besides, the procurement and commissioning of all rolling stock and machinery for the rail project will be overseen by the project manager.
Oman's National Railway System is part of the proposed inter-GCC railway network that will run from Kuwait to Muscat, and onward to Salalah and possibly to Yemen.
In the first phase, a 240 km section will be developed from the industrial hub of Sohar to Muscat, followed by a 486 km coastal rail network from Muscat to Duqm in the second phase.
In later phases, an extension from Duqm to Salalah (696 km), and possibly from Duqm to Al Mazyounah Free Trade Zone close to Oman's border with Yemen, are envisaged. A branch line linking Sohar with Al Ain on the UAE border is on the cards as well.
© Oman Daily Observer 2011
