Project Revival Marks New Momentum
MANAMA — According to the Bahrain News Agency (BNA), Bahrain and Qatar will meet again for bilateral discussions on Wednesday to revive the delayed Qatar Bahrain causeway project. This action demonstrates the commitment of both nations to enhancing regional connectivity and economic cooperation through this key infrastructure project.
Engineering Designs Finalized, Route Confirmed
Arif Khamis, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Finance of Bahrain, said the two governments completed the engineering design and both agreed on the route for a 40km (25 miles) causeway linking Bahrain and Qatar. This is a major step toward implementing this long-planned, then stalled, project.
History and Funding of the Qatar Bahrain Friendship Bridge
The Qatar Bahrain Friendship Bridge, also known as a causeway, was first approved in 2005. In June of 2006 the two countries signed an agreement to form a joint simple partnership to find about $4.5 billion in funding. This agreement was the beginning of a critical corridor to improve trade, tourism, and transport between neighbouring nations.
In 2008, the Qatar-Bahrain Causeway Foundation awarded a contract to U.S.-based engineering giant KBR. The company took charge of design, project oversight, and construction management for the road and rail marine crossing, according to its official website.
Although construction was scheduled to begin in 2011, unresolved funding issues stalled progress for over a decade. The project couldn’t move forward despite the completion of detailed design and engineering plans.
Experts estimate the causeway will carry about 4,000 vehicles daily in its first year. This number could rise to 5,000 vehicles per day in the following year. These numbers demonstrate this project has the potential to change the transportation landscape of the region and contribute to the growth of our economy.
As the project developed we then saw the chance to add two rail tracks. Our end goal is to increase connectivity between the road and rail systems to help meet the demand for freight and passenger movement growing in the Gulf.
The authorities in Bahrain and Qatar have confirmed that they will meet to discuss the lingering issues. Their aim is to take this project faster towards finalizing the timeline for implementation. This strategic infrastructure will redefine connectivity in the Gulf and create tremendous opportunities for trade, investment, and regional integration.
