Bahrain light rail network
The Bahrain light rail network (Arabic: شبكىة السكة الحديدية البحرين), also known as Bahrain Metro (Arabic: مترو البحرين), is a proposed public transport project in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
First proposed in 2008 and under development by the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications, the $1 billion to $2 billion project will cover a total area of over 109 square km and is expected to be operational by 2023. At full capacity, the light rail network is expected to carry 43,000 passengers an hour. [1][2]
Lines
A total of 4 lines are proposed, with 2 lines being constructed in phase one. Two interchanges are planned at the Bab al Bahrain and al-Farooq junction.[2]
- Red Line - the line will start from Bahrain International Airport and end at Seef Mall via Airport Avenue and the King Faisal Highway. The line will have 9 stations and be 13km long. It will also connect The Avenues, Bab al Bahrain, and Bahrain City Centre.[2]
- Blue Line - the line will run from Juffair to Isa Town, running 15.6km with 11 stations. The line will connect the Diplomatic Area, Bab al Bahrain, Salmaniya, Zinj, Tubli, Salmabad, and end at the Educational Area in Isa Town. [2]
History
The project was unveiled in 2008, with construction planned to start in 2009. However, the project was repeatedly delayed. The project moved ahead in 2018 after Bilbao-based consultancy firm IDOM completed & submitted a feasibility study to the Ministry of Transportation & Telecommunications. The ministry later announced three tenders in 2019. The project will be developed on a public private partnership basis.[3]
The first phase, including 24 km of light rail network, is expected to cost BD453 million. Subsequent phases will cost more.[4]
See also
References
- "Bahrain's metro project on track". Zawya. Gulf Daily News. 12 August 2019. Retrieved 16 August 2019.
- News, Urban Transport (17 August 2019). "Bahrain Metro: Project Information, Tenders, Routes and News Updates". Urban Transport News. Retrieved 17 August 2019.
- Menon, Anoop (1 November 2017). "Bahrain completes feasibility studies for light rail transit project". Zawya. Retrieved 16 August 2019.
- "Bahrain's $8bn public transport network on track". Retrieved 2011-02-20.
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