By Ben Roberts  www.constructionweekonline.com
Etihad Rail has launched three major tenders for prequalification for the second stage of its nationwide rail project.
The master planner behind the UAE’s first rail system has lined up a major design and build infrastructure package for interested parties along with a mechanical tender for the trains systems and a supply tender for switches and crossing.
Stage Two will see an extension of the stage one railway completed earlier this year, which is a link from Ruwais to Ghweifat, a line from Liwa Junction to Al Ain, a line from Al Ain Junction to Jebel Ali Port, and a branch to Industrial City Abu Dhabi to Mussafah.
Infrastructure
The company invites contractors, joint venture and consortia to prequalify for four railway design and build infrastructure contracts, all requiring details on civil, structural, track facilities and utilities for stage two. The deadline for submissions is 13 December, with construction due to begin at the end of 2012.
Integration and systems
The company also invites bids for contractors to lead the design, procurement, manufacture, installation and system integration for its own subsystems. The deadline for submissions is 14 December, with construction due to begin at the end of 2012 for an early 2016 opening.
Switches and crossings
The third invitation is for relevant companies to supply – installation by others – all switches and crossings, including bearers, to stage two. The deadline is 12 December. More info
