ID :
111840
Tue, 03/16/2010 - 16:09
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https://oananews.org//node/111840
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UAE's Dh40bn rail network plan on track
Abu Dhabi, Mar 16, 2010 (WAM)- The first contract for the 1,500km long freight and passenger rail network could be awarded by the end of the year, Richard Bowker, CEO of Union Railways told Gulf News yesterday.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Global Logistics Forum, Bowker said the construction of the rail network could cost up to Dh40 billion.
The UAE-wide rail network will extend from Abu Dhabi's Western region through Dubai, Sharjah, Umm Al Qaiwain, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Ajman. A feasibility study is also being undertaken to build a high-speed passenger rail between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
The first phase of the project will include the 270km rail line specifically for freight linking Abu Dhabi's Shah sour gas field to Ruwais.
"The line is being developed on the specific customer need. The work will be completed in seven years," said Bowker.
Union Railways will be a Federal Government-owned company."The entire project could cost in the order of Dh30-40 billion. We are not making any sort of final determination because things are still being developed and determined."
"We have still not made any final decision on financing strategy. It is a government company and is being led by the government but the final decision on exactly how to structure it will be made in due course. Our focus at the moment is just to ensure that the railway plans are well developed," he said.
No final decision on the next phases has been made as yet."The planning is very well advanced. There are a number of factors still being taken into account. We are focused on the Shah Ruwais line. The yellow lines are inside Abu Dhabi. The alignment is clearly defined because of the project background. We are now working very hard in partnership with all other emirates to make the rest of the network as well defined," said Bowker.
There is a great interest among the global contractors towards bidding for the project, said Bowker."It is clear from what I have seen during the last five months and I have been involved in this project. It is considered a major international interest. The entire world, in terms of railway supply industry is approaching us. There would be an industry outreach on 24 and I am confident it will be a very well attended event," he said.
"The competition will be open to everybody. We will be selecting people based on their experience, tack record, their capability and the value for money for the deals we can put in place."
According to him, during the course of the industry outreach in March through August and September, a detailed procurement process will be developed, especially in terms of prequalification and tenders. – Gulf News
Speaking on the sidelines of the Global Logistics Forum, Bowker said the construction of the rail network could cost up to Dh40 billion.
The UAE-wide rail network will extend from Abu Dhabi's Western region through Dubai, Sharjah, Umm Al Qaiwain, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Ajman. A feasibility study is also being undertaken to build a high-speed passenger rail between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
The first phase of the project will include the 270km rail line specifically for freight linking Abu Dhabi's Shah sour gas field to Ruwais.
"The line is being developed on the specific customer need. The work will be completed in seven years," said Bowker.
Union Railways will be a Federal Government-owned company."The entire project could cost in the order of Dh30-40 billion. We are not making any sort of final determination because things are still being developed and determined."
"We have still not made any final decision on financing strategy. It is a government company and is being led by the government but the final decision on exactly how to structure it will be made in due course. Our focus at the moment is just to ensure that the railway plans are well developed," he said.
No final decision on the next phases has been made as yet."The planning is very well advanced. There are a number of factors still being taken into account. We are focused on the Shah Ruwais line. The yellow lines are inside Abu Dhabi. The alignment is clearly defined because of the project background. We are now working very hard in partnership with all other emirates to make the rest of the network as well defined," said Bowker.
There is a great interest among the global contractors towards bidding for the project, said Bowker."It is clear from what I have seen during the last five months and I have been involved in this project. It is considered a major international interest. The entire world, in terms of railway supply industry is approaching us. There would be an industry outreach on 24 and I am confident it will be a very well attended event," he said.
"The competition will be open to everybody. We will be selecting people based on their experience, tack record, their capability and the value for money for the deals we can put in place."
According to him, during the course of the industry outreach in March through August and September, a detailed procurement process will be developed, especially in terms of prequalification and tenders. – Gulf News
