Source: Â http://www.meed.com/
While similarities exist, the Doha and Riyadh metro projects are being delivered using quite different procurement methods
The Doha and Riyadh metro projects have a lot in common. They are both aiming to tackle urban congestion by completing several lines in one initial phase; they are being built at the same time and will cost somewhere in the region of $30bn to complete.
What makes the two projects so interesting are their differences rather than the similarities, as they are being delivered using contrasting procurement strategies.
In Doha, the client, Qatar Railways Company (Qatar Rail), has split the construction work into five underground sections, three elevated sections, a major stations package, and a contract to supply rolling stock and systems.
Doha’s management-heavy approach contrasts with the strategy adopted in Riyadh. Arriyadh Development Authority has split the six lines of the Saudi capital’s upcoming metro network into three design and build packages that include the supply and installation of the systems and rolling stock.
While all the work for Riyadh was awarded in late July 2013, the tendering for Doha’s metro has dragged on, with contracts for major components of the network yet to be awarded.
Contracts for the Green Line, Red Line North, Red Line South and major stations were awarded in May last year. Since then the Gold Line and elevated sections have been reduced in size and effectively retendered, while the tender closing date for the rolling stock and systems has been extended several times. More info
