EDDAH: P.K. ABDUL GHAFOUR | ARAB NEWS STAFF
Monday 8 July 2013

Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal yesterday urged contactors to implement the SR 62 billion Makkah Mass Rail Transit project following international standards as it serves millions of pilgrims from around the world.

“This public transport system is one of the largest projects in Makkah,” the governor said while launching MMRT. “When we talk about Makkah, we are talking about the most sacred place for Muslims,” he said.

Any project in Makkah concerns Muslims all over the world. “All companies involved in these projects should make their positive imprints to serve the guests of God coming from different parts of the world,” he said.

Saad Al-Qadi, director of the public transport project, said Parsons Brinckerhoff was awarded the management contract after reviewing offers of 13 international companies.

The project, which includes a metro with four lines and 88 stations and a fast bus service network, will bring about dramatic improvement in transport of pilgrims and citizens in the city.

The first phase of the project, costing around SR 25.5 billion, would begin by the middle of next year. It will be completed in three years.

There will be underground lines in areas surrounding the Grand Mosque until the third ring road, while the lines beyond that region will be built on suspended bridges.

Source: http://arabnews.com/news/457384