NEOM awards one of world’s largest tunneling work contracts to 2 JVs

Saudi Arabia’s $500 billion smart city, NEOM has awarded drill and blast tunneling contracts for work on the region’s infrastructure, which is considered one of the world’s largest transportation and utility infrastructure projects.

Two joint venture (JV) groups will undertake the project, which is separated by lower and upper geographies, with the first contract awarded to a JV of Spanish construction giant, FCC Construction, China State Construction Engineering Corporation and Shibh Al-Jazira Contracting Company. The second is awarded to the JV of South Korea’s Samsung C&T Corporation, Hyundai Engineering and Construction and Saudi Archirodon Company.

“Today marks yet another significant milestone for NEOM. The sheer scope and scale of the tunneling work to be undertaken highlight 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.”

The tunnels work will provide over 28 kilometers in length and provide separate tunnels for high-speed and freight rail services, making the movement of people and goods faster, safer and easier. The rock excavated as part of this tunneling project will be processed for subsequent reuse within the permanent concrete lining of the tunnels and other projects within NEOM to ensure minimal impact on natural landscapes.

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