KUWAIT CITY, June 12: The Public Authority for Roads and Land Transport has approved five out of 10 companies for the detailed study works and preparation of documents for the “first phase” of the railway project. Following the completion of necessary procedures and approval of technical bids by the technical committee, the authority has requested the Central Agency for Public Tenders to open the financial envelopes for these companies.

Meanwhile, the decision regarding the excluded companies has been postponed by the agency at the Authority’s request. The excluded companies have sought the release of their initial deposits paid as insurance for their exclusion from the tender, based on the initial insurance control report, a matter that the Authority has communicated to the Tenders Agency as per the companies’ request. The project involves the study and engineering design of the Gulf Track railway and its facilities, spanning 111 km. It encompasses the first phase of the Gulf Track railway project, with a 12-month implementation period for studying and designing, followed by a tender for implementation over 30 months. This contributes to the broader Gulf train project set to conclude by the end of 2030.

This initiative is part of the General Authority for Roads and Land Transport’s efforts to develop the land transport sector and enhance trade exchange between Kuwait and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries in passenger and goods transport. It aims to bolster the Gulf and local economy, create job opportunities for national cadres, and strengthen social ties among cooperating countries. The Council of Ministers assigned the project to the General Authority for Roads and Land Transport through Resolution No. 1249 dated 10-11-2021.

By Mohammed Ghanem
Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff