Bahrain Metro: Construction Progress & 2026 Forecast

Bahrain’s ambitious metro project progresses, featuring driverless trains and connecting to the GCC railway. This significant railway sector development will modernize public transportation.

Bahrain Metro: Construction Progress & 2026 Forecast
November 20, 2021 3:19 am
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Bahrain Metro: Project Profile

The Bahrain Metro is a landmark public-private partnership (PPP) initiative designed to deliver a 109 km fully automated, driverless urban transit network. This project will form the backbone of the Kingdom of Bahrain’s future public transport system, aiming to reduce traffic congestion and catalyze sustainable economic development. The project is being executed in phases under a comprehensive Design, Build, Finance, Operate, Maintain, and Transfer (DBFOMT) model.

AttributeDetails
Project NameBahrain Metro
LocationKingdom of Bahrain
Total Network Length109 km (Four lines planned)
Phase 1 Length28.6 km (20 stations)
Estimated CostUSD $1-2 Billion (Phase 1)
Status (Nov 2025)Phase 1A in Pre-Construction; Phase 1 in Final Bidding Stage
Key Project AdvisorsKPMG (Financial), DLA Piper (Legal), Egis (Technical), IDOM (Design)
Procurement Model35-Year Design, Build, Finance, Operate, Maintain, Transfer (DBFOMT)

Technical Specifications

The Bahrain Metro network is engineered for high capacity and efficiency, utilizing a fully automated, driverless system. The initial development, Phase 1, will establish two primary corridors: the Red Line, connecting Bahrain International Airport to the Seef District, and the Blue Line, running from Juffair to Isa Town. This phase includes 20 stations, two of which will be key interchanges, facilitating seamless transfers. A depot and stabling facility will be located in Isa Town to support network operations.

The system’s core technology is a Grade of Automation 4 (GoA4) driverless system, which allows for minimal headways and maximum operational flexibility. The electric-powered rolling stock is designed for high-volume passenger flow, with an initial design capacity of 5,000 passengers per hour per direction (pphpd), scalable to a future capacity of 23,000 pphpd. A critical integration point will be the connection to the planned Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) railway at the King Hamad International Terminal, positioning the metro as a vital national and regional transport link.

Key Takeaways

  • Strategic Infrastructure Investment: The metro is a cornerstone of Bahrain’s Vision 2030, aimed at diversifying the economy, improving urban mobility, and attracting foreign investment by providing a world-class public transport system.
  • Advanced Technology Adoption: By implementing a GoA4 driverless system, Bahrain is prioritizing operational efficiency, safety, and long-term sustainability, setting a new technological benchmark for public transport in the region.
  • Robust Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Model: The 35-year DBFOMT contract leverages private sector expertise and financing, mitigating public financial risk while ensuring long-term performance and maintenance standards through a transparent international bidding process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When will the Bahrain Metro open?

The Bahrain Metro is being developed in phases. While an official opening date is contingent on the final award of the construction contract, initial operations for the first section, Phase 1A, are anticipated to commence between 2028 and 2029, with the full completion of Phase 1 to follow.

Who is building the Bahrain Metro?

The Bahrain Metro project is being procured by the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications (MTT) through a competitive public-private partnership. The MTT is supported by a team of expert advisors including KPMG, DLA Piper, and Egis. The primary construction and operation will be handled by a private consortium selected through an international bidding process for a 35-year DBFOMT contract.