Bahrain Metro project is in its final stages of preparation, with the authorities now reviewing the optimal mode of transport for the network, whether it will be a metro or a monorail, reported the Gulf Daily News, citing the kingdom’s Transportation and Telecommunications Minister.

Participating in a panel discussion hosted last month (December) by the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) Bahrain, the minister highlighted the central role of transport projects in the nation’s economic strategy.

The kingdom is accelerating plans for its ambitious domestic metro network while actively pursuing the integration of key regional GCC Rail links. The push for rail connectivity is a ‘top priority,’ he stated.

Dr Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa said following detailed feasibility studies, the ministry is preparing for the tender stage for Phase One, which will cover 29 km and include 20 stations across two key lines.

The first phase will connect Bahrain International Airport to Seef District, with the second line running from Juffair through the Diplomatic Area and Salmaniya, terminating at the Isa Town Educational Area.

Once a final decision on the transport mode is made, the ministry will re-engage the pre-qualified international consortia and invite further expressions of interest before the final tender award, he added.

Focusing on regional integration, the minister reiterated that Bahrain’s connectivity to the region, historically driven by the King Fahad Causeway – which has seen a consistent six per cent  annual increase in traffic since 1986 – is now set for a major boost, via rail.