25 October 2005
DUBAI -- The tendering procedure for the "First Phase of Cairo Underground-line 3" project started this week, with consultants and contractors preparing bids following the release of tender documents. The National Authority (NAT) hopes that the initial construction of the project, estimated to be worth about $1,000 million, will start by next summer.
The deadline for submitting tenders for the two consultancy contracts is November 15 and 11 international and local consultants are expected to submit tenders. These cover the evaluation of technical offers for the main construction packages and supervision of works. The contracts will be awarded within two months of the submission date.
There are another five main construction and supply contracts covering civil works, signalling, rolling stock supply, electro-mechanical and track laying packages.
Twenty-five international and local contractors have pre-qualified for submitting commercial and technical bids. Submissions for these will close on February 1, 2006 and the contract should be awarded by the end of the second quarter of next year. Construction is expected to take about four years.
The 33-kilometre line 3 will link the western districts of Cairo with the international airport. Phase one involves the construction of a 4.5 kilometre underground section between Abbasiya and Attaba, where an interchange will be built with line 2.
BY A STAFF REPORTER
© Khaleej Times 2005
