Bahrain plans to seek bids to build a metro railway system at the end of 2019. The project is estimated to cost between $1 billion and $2 billion. Adviser for Transportation and Telecommunications Minister Abdulrahman al-Janahi announced the project saying the government may seek private investments to partially fund it. The project is likely to be launched in the fourth quarter of next year and will cover a total area of 109 km. It will be built in four phases over four years and will carry 43,000 passengers per hour from more than 20 stations spread across the kingdom. “The project will be funded by the government and the private sector in accordance with Bahrain Economic Vision 2030,” said Janahi. The Advisor noted that the first phase will cover a distance of 30 sq.km through two lines, with the first line, known as The Red Line, connecting Bahrain International Airport to King Faisal Highway through Muharraq and go through Bahrain Financial Harbour and heading to Seef District. “The Blue Line, second line, will start from Juffair going through al-Fateh and then to the Diplomatic Area, and will connect with the Red Line at Bahrain Financial Harbour, where there will be a central station. The Blue Line will then head into Central Manama Market and Isa Town,” explained the official. After the first phase goes operational, an extensive study will be conducted to measure the interests by citizens and residents. The ticket prices will be affordable by most people, concluded Janahi.