Bahrain is progressing preparations for the next stage of the Bahrain Metro Phase 1 programme, with the government reviewing the preferred transit technology and procurement approach ahead of further engagement with potential bidders.
The major urban transport project is being developed by Bahrain’s Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications (MTT) and is expected to create significant future opportunities for international railway contractors, systems suppliers, consultants, operators and investors.
Phase 1 – 29 km and 20 Stations
According to the Ministry, Bahrain Metro Phase 1 is planned to comprise approximately 29 km of network with 20 stations across two lines.
The proposed corridors will connect key areas including:
- Bahrain International Airport;
- Seef District;
- Juffair; and
- the educational area at Isa Town.
The project is intended to form the first stage of a wider rapid-transit network supporting Bahrain’s growing urban and regional transport requirements.
Transit Technology Under Review
The government is currently reviewing the optimum technology for the project, including the most appropriate form of urban rail solution.
This assessment is significant for the future procurement because the selected technology will influence infrastructure configuration, rolling stock, railway systems, station requirements, operations and maintenance arrangements.
Following completion of this process, the government is expected to progress further market engagement as it moves towards the project’s next procurement stage.
Seven international consortia had previously been pre-qualified for Bahrain Metro Phase 1.
Further expressions of interest may also form part of the renewed market engagement before the final tender process, depending on the procurement strategy adopted by the authorities.
Major PPP Railway Opportunity
The earlier Bahrain Metro procurement was structured around a Design, Build, Finance, Operate, Maintain and Transfer (DBFOMT) public-private partnership model.
If a similar integrated delivery approach is retained, the programme could create opportunities across a broad range of railway disciplines, including:
- civil and structural engineering;
- stations and architectural works;
- track and guideway infrastructure;
- rolling stock;
- signalling and train control;
- telecommunications;
- traction and power supply;
- depot and maintenance facilities;
- systems integration and interface management;
- testing and commissioning;
- operations and maintenance; and
- project financing and investment.
The final scope and procurement packages will, however, depend on the government’s ongoing review and the tender strategy ultimately adopted.
Phase 1A to Connect with Regional Railway
An additional Phase 1A, extending approximately 8 km with four stops, is planned to connect the metro network with the proposed King Hamad International Railway Station.
This connection is strategically important because the station is associated with Bahrain’s future regional railway connectivity through the planned King Hamad Causeway and the wider GCC railway network.
The development therefore has the potential to integrate Bahrain’s urban metro system with future cross-border and regional rail services.
Phase 2 Studies Also Underway
Planning is also progressing for Bahrain Metro Phase 2.
The Ministry identifies Phase 2 as an approximately 18 km extension with five stops, connecting the King Hamad International Railway Station/Ramli area with Sports City and Exhibition World Bahrain at Sakhir.
Studies for this future phase could generate further opportunities in areas such as transport planning, feasibility studies, engineering consultancy, environmental assessment, preliminary design and railway systems planning before subsequent implementation packages are developed.
What Happens Next?
The key milestone to watch will be the completion of Bahrain’s technology and procurement review, followed by renewed engagement with the international market.
This could lead to further EOI, qualification, consultancy and ultimately implementation opportunities associated with Bahrain Metro.
As of 15 September 2026, RailBays has not identified a newly issued main Phase 1 implementation tender on the Bahrain Tender Board. Companies interested in the programme should therefore monitor upcoming announcements from the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications and Bahrain Tender Board.
RailBays View
Bahrain Metro remains one of the Gulf region’s important emerging urban rail programmes.
Beyond the main Phase 1 project, the proposed Phase 1A connection to the future regional railway station and the ongoing Phase 2 studies indicate a longer-term pipeline of potential opportunities for consultants, contractors, railway systems suppliers, operators and investors.
RailBays will continue to follow the programme as the project moves towards its next procurement stage.
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