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Saudi Arabian city plans ambitions transportation infrastructure

AlMadinah AlMunawwarah Development Authority (MMDA) has appointed professional services company Louis Berger as program management office consultant (PMOC) for implementation of the AlMadinah AlMunawwarah Public Transportation Program (MPTP) in Madinah, one of the most ambitious transportation infrastructure initiatives in the Middle East. The value of the PMOC contract is approximately US$100 million. The contract will extend over a five year period, during which time Louis Berger will support and assis
April 2, 2015 Read time: 2 mins
AlMadinah AlMunawwarah Development Authority (MMDA) has appointed professional services company 4736 Louis Berger as program management office consultant (PMOC) for implementation of the AlMadinah AlMunawwarah Public Transportation Program (MPTP) in Madinah, one of the most ambitious transportation infrastructure initiatives in the Middle East. The value of the PMOC contract is approximately US$100 million.

The contract will extend over a five year period, during which time Louis Berger will support and assist with MPTP’s strategic planning as well as  control, guide, oversee, coordinate and integrate service delivery of the various project and construction management consultants, any other consultants, advisors and third parties across MPTP projects. In addition, Louis Berger will be fully integrated with the MMDA management team.

The MPTP includes a comprehensive metro and bus network, as well as substantial upgrades and new construction for the primary road network. It also provides facilities such as stations, park-and-ride lots, depots and advanced intelligent transportation systems.

With a major expansion of both the Prophet’s Mosque and the city’s airport, projections indicate as many as 8.6 million Umrah visitors and 3.6 million Hajj pilgrims will visit the city in 2040. The program will address current and future challenges related to crowding, traffic congestion and environmental pollution caused by vehicle emissions.

“We could not be prouder to be associated with MMDA in the implementation of the MPTP for the holy city of Madinah,” said D. James Stamatis, president of Louis Berger’s international operations. “The implementation of an advanced public transportation system will endow Madinah with one of the most advanced transportation systems in the world.”

Louis Berger will establish a talent development program allowing senior Saudi MMDA personnel to follow PMOC senior managers. The program aims to train and equip Saudi professionals with the management skills and technical capabilities to eventually take over the same positions they once shadowed before implementation is complete.

“Once completed, MPTP will boast world class transportation facilities, enabling the city to ensure the safety of its citizens, visitors and pilgrims — all while enabling greater knowledge transfer and training for Saudi professionals,” said Thomas Topolski, Louis Berger’s executive vice president and managing director, Middle East and North Africa.

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