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The total cost of the Qatar-Bahrain Causeway, one of the longest bridges in the world, is likely to be in the tune of $5 billion (BD1.89 billion), which will be the largest amount of money spent on any causeway, analysts predict.
Construction work of the causeway is expected to start before the end of this year and conclude in 2015.
Construction plans have been delayed many times as a result of amendments being introduced to the project. The total cost has grown to $5 billion to cover the expense of new designs, construction materials and other development plans associated with the project.
The Qatar-Bahrain causeway will be 40km in length and include four vehicle lanes and two railway lines. A consortium of Al Diyar Real Estate Company, Vinci Grand Projects, French Contracting Company, German Hochtief Company, Consolidated Contractors International Company in Greece and Middle East Dredging Company, will be in charge of construction work.
Qatar, rich in oil and gas, is expected to provide the bulk of the funds, according to bank sources. The causeway starts from Askar village located in the eastern side of Bahrain linking to Ras Ishairij in Qatar.
The causeway construction will help achieve economic integration and sustainable development between the two Gulf countries. More investments from Qatar in terms of real estate development will be attracted to revive business and investment interest in the eastern and south-east areas of Bahrain.
Qatar will host the 2022 FIFA World Cup and thousands of fans will flock to Bahrain for hotel accommodation as a result of easy transportation links to the stadiums. And around, 4,000 vehicles are expected to pass daily through the causeway after completion and the figure is expected to rise to 12,000 by 2050.
