Qatar Rail has invited expressions of interest (EOI) for Phase 1 of long-distance passenger and freight rail network, an integral part of the overall Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Network linking Qatar with Saudi and Bahrain.
Phase 1 includes construction of nearly 143 kilometers operational railway track with 35 turnouts (main tracks), one station, three freight yards, one intermodal yard, 26 bridges and 59 culverts.
The EOI scope comprises the following packages a)civil works (earthworks, bridges, culverts, track works, freight yards, intermodal yard and passenger station, its architecture and MEP), b)railway systems manufacture, installation and integration of telecommunication (ETCS level 2 signaling) equipment, c) manufacture and supply of rolling stock and d) railway operation and maintenance.
An industry awareness presentation is planned on 5 or 6 March, 2014 in Doha.
Interested parties can contact Qatar Rail specifying their interest(s) either to submit an EOI and/or attend the presentation.
All submissions must be in English and final date of submission is 26 February, 2014. The presentation invite will be sent out only to interested companies but only two attendees can attend from each company.
To be developed in distinct phases, Qatars Long Distance Passenger and Freight Rail transportation system will cover a distance of 350 kilometers at a speed ranging between 220 and 350 kilometers per hour for passenger trains and 120 kilometers/hours for freight trains.
The project consists of three different categories: a shuttle service for GCC transit passengers and travelers, transportation services for locals, and freight transport services for international and domestic routes.
It consists of a freight rail line from Port Mesaieed to Ras Laffan, a passenger and freight rail line from Doha to Saudi Arabia, a high speed passenger rail line from Doha to Bahrain, passenger and freight rail line from Doha to Dukhan and passenger and freight rail line from Doha to AlShama.
It will be executed over four phases - with plans to initiate the enabling works in 2015 and complete the fourth and final phase in 2030.
The project's first phase will connect Doha with Mesaieed and the Saudi Arabia border, the second phase will link west Doha to Hamad International Airport and Bahrain, the third phase will link Doha and west Doha to Ras Laffan, and the fourth phase will consist of building the remaining lines for passenger and freight transport.
The 2,117-kilometers GCC rail network is mapped to start from Kuwait, pass through the eastern Saudi port of Dammam, Qatar and Bahrain, linking Saudi Arabia to the UAE, and connecting Oman through Sohar.
According to media reports on 17 February, the six GCC countries intended creating a joint body to oversee the operation of the USD 15.4-billion rail network.
The detailed engineering designs for the rail network will be completed this year. The project is scheduled to be commissioned in 2018.
Zawya 2014
