Bahrain is setting up a bridge work with Qatar

Manama: Bahrain said work on a $3 billion bridge project linking the island to Qatar is on schedule, playing down a report which said the project, aimed at boosting trade and travel between the two Gulf Arab nations

The project is very important to the government of Bahrain, which is ensuring all necessary procedures are being taken to start construction works at the soonest and with the lowest cost possible.

The 40-kilometre causeway linking gas exporter Qatar to the island kingdom of Bahrain was set to play a key role in improving infrastructure connections between members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).

The project, first announced in 2001, had already been delayed in 2008 to change the project scope to include trains, and late last year the countries said work would start in the first quarter and be completed by 2015.

Contractors for the project, the latest official cost estimate for which stands at $3 billion, include France's Vinci and Germany's Hochtief AG, Qatari Diar Real Estate and Consolidated Contractors Company.