Industry News & Insights

Detailed preparations are underway for Phase One of Bahrain’s Metro project, which is expected to significantly enhance public transport, reduce traffic congestion and reshape urban mobility across the kingdom.

In response to a parliamentary question from MP Lulwa Al Romaihi, the Transportation and Telecommunications Ministry confirmed that current efforts are focused on finalising the routes for Phase One in accordance with the approved master plan.

The ministry described the Bahrain Metro as a strategic investment in national transport infrastructure, aimed at delivering a modern, efficient and environmentally sustainable public transport system. Planning work is being carried out through detailed studies and co-ordinated procedures with relevant authorities to ensure optimal route preparation.

Phase One will consist of two main metro lines serving key residential, commercial and economic centres. The first line will connect Bahrain International Airport to the Seef District, linking the country’s main gateway with one of its busiest commercial and retail areas. The second line will run from Juffair to the Educational District in Isa Town, passing through densely populated and strategically important locations.

The two lines will include a total of 20 stations, including two major interchange stations designed to enable seamless transfers between routes. These interchange stations will be located at Bahrain Financial Harbour and the Central Market in Manama, providing wider network connectivity and improved accessibility across the capital.

While the overall scope of the project has been defined, the ministry said a final cost estimate cannot yet be confirmed due to the ongoing development of detailed designs, changing market conditions and broader economic factors. Final costs will be determined once technical studies and designs are completed and approved.

Once operational, the metro is expected to improve traffic flow, complement the existing bus network and provide a reliable alternative to private vehicle use.

Bahrain first announced plans for the metro in 2018, outlining a 109km fully automated, driverless network to be developed in four phases, with an initial estimated cost of around $2 billion. The project had cost the government BD7.5 million up to 2022, with a further BD11.7m allocated last year and an additional BD91.3m earmarked through to completion in 2029.

Seven consortiums have been pre-qualified to execute Phase One, according to information published on the ministry’s website.

Phase One will also be linked to King Hamad International Railway Station through Phase 1A, an 8km extension including four stations. Meanwhile, studies are ongoing for Phase Two, which will connect the railway station in Ramli to Sports City and Exhibition World Bahrain in Sakhir. This phase will span 18km and include five stations.

The ministry emphasised that the metro forms part of a wider vision for smarter and greener cities, with a focus on reducing dependence on private cars, encouraging public transport use, improving quality of life and supporting environmental objectives.

Regarding the GCC Railway Project, the ministry clarified that both initiatives are being managed independently in terms of planning and implementation. However, coordination is continuing to ensure potential future integration aligned with national and regional strategic goals.

The Bahrain Metro project is scheduled to be discussed in Parliament tomorrow, with the transportation minister expected to attend and respond to further questions. MPs will also debate a royal decree ratifying the unified GCC Land Transport System during the same session.