Saudi Arabia’s NEOM awarded drill and blast tunnelling contracts for work on the gigaproject’s infrastructure, which is considered one of the world’s largest transportation and utility infrastructure projects.
The infrastructure project it is an essential element in ensuring the company continues to meet its development schedule.
Two joint venture groups will undertake the project, which is separated by lower and upper geographies, with the first contract awarded to FCC Construction SA/ China State Construction Engineering Corporation/ Shibh Al-Jazira Contracting Company Joint Venture (FCC/CSCEC/SAJCO JV), and the second to Samsung C&T Corporation / Hyundai Engineering and Construction Co. Ltd/ Saudi Archirodon Company Ltd Joint Venture (SHAJV).
The tunnels in total will cover 28km 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 the tunnelling 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.
A milestone for NEOM
Commenting on the contract awards, Nadhmi Al-Nasr, CEO of NEOM, who features on Construction Week Middle East’s 2022 Power 100 list, said: “Today marks yet another significant milestone for the project. The sheer scope and scale of the tunnelling work to be undertaken highlight the complexity and ambition of the project. We are moving forward to achieve the company’s vision of the new future, which has been established by HRH 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 project is addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Global partners are joining hands with NEOM to pioneer solutions and breakthrough innovations.
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