The Partnerships Technical Bureau (PTB), Kuwaits government committee, signed off the feasibility study for a new metro rail system.
Construction of the 160 km Kuwait Metropolitan Rapid Transit System Project (KMRT), which will have 69 stations, 16 per cent of which underground, on three lines, is worth an estimated US$7 billion.
The feasibility study was conducted by Ernst & Young, Ashurst and Atkins, covered the railway's procurement stage, including infrastructure, control systems, rolling stock, depot and operations.
Expression of interest
As a result, PTB said it would "shortly" be issuing an expression of interest for the procurement of the Integrated Rolling Stock and Systems PPP Company. The project will involve the development, financing, construction, operation and maintenance of a full metro network that will be developed over five phases.
No timeline
PTB is currently focusing on the first phase of the project, which will include around 50km of rail, with 28 new stations, 30 per cent of which will be underground. No timeline has been given for the start of construction on the project, or the eventual finish.
Key strategy for population growth
Director-General of PTB Adel Al-Roumi was reported by Kuwait Times as saying, that Kuwait's Metropolitan Rapid Transit System Project (KMRT) is a key aspect of the country's strategy to address population growth challenges and the current public transport deficit.
