September 08, 2008

China Pakistan JV to build light rail link in Jordan

Xinhua reported that China Electronics Technology Cooperation International has signed a contract with Pakistan Infrastructure Development Company to jointly build a light rail between Amman and the northeastern industrial center of Zarqa in Jordan. According to the contract, the time limit for the EPC project includes a 20 month construction time, a 3 month trial operation and a 1 month examination period.

Mr Yan Lijin president of China Electronics Technology Cooperation International said that the 25 kilometer long, 2 way light rail, which is to be completed by the end of 2009, has a contract value of USD 200 million and is the first such project in Jordan. Mr Yan said that after the completion of the light rail, the metro system will be able to transport 100,000 passengers a day at a speed of 90 kilometer per hour.

He added that the Infrastructure Development Company of Pakistan is the general contractor for the rail's building, operation and transfer and the China Electronics is contracted to build the engineering procurement and construction part of the project.

Mr Saud Nseirat minister of transportation of Jordan said earlier that a light rail is an economical and environment friendly way to ease the heavy traffic on the highway between Amman and Zarqa as nearly 52% of Jordan's industry is located in Zarqa while 50% of Jordan population lives in these 2 cities.