By Lynda Myer
As one of the world’s largest transportation and utility infrastructure projects, Saudi Arabia’s futuristic city, Neom, has been awarded drill and blast tunneling contracts.
While the first contract has been granted to FCC Construction SA/China State Construction Engineering Corporation/Shibh Al-Jazira Contracting Company Joint Venture (FCC/CSCEC/SAJCO JV), the second one was handed to Samsung C&T Corporation /Hyundai Engineering and Construction Co Ltd/Saudi Archirodon Company Ltd Joint Venture (SHAJV).
Over than 28km of tunnels, providing separate tunnels for high-speed and freight rail services, are the contents of this work.
In order to reuse in the permanent concrete lining of the tunnels and other projects in Neom, the rock dug by the tunneling will be processed.
According to Neom CEO Nadhmi Al-Nasr: ” The awarding of contracts marked a significant milestone for the new US$500bn city. The sheer scope and scale of the tunneling work to be undertaken highlights the complexity and ambition of the project. We are moving forward to achieve Neom’s vision of the new future, which has been established by His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Chairman of the Neom company board of directors. At Neom, we are inspiring a new way of living, making seamless mobility possible, reducing emissions, and protecting our environment. We are not only making a giant leap for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, but we are also establishing a model for sustainable living around the world.”
With the aims to provide sustainable living and be a tourist destination, Neom is being established in the Tabuk Province of north-western Saudi Arabia. It is going to cover a total area of 26,500km2 and will develop 460km along the coast of the Red Sea.
