Tenders for the operation and maintenance (O&M) contract of the USD23 billion Riyadh Metro (under construction) are expected to be released by Arriyadh Development Authority (ADA), possibly before end of April. Prequalified for the contract are: SMRT (Singapore), Serco (UK), Korail (South Korea), RATP (France), Keolis (France), Ansaldo / Hitachi (Italy/Japan) and QDVC (Qatar). The ADA is expected to select two or three O&M firms to operate and maintain the six lines. In March, Alwalid Alekrish, Director of Construction Development Projects and Project Director of the Riyadh Metro at the ADA, said the O&M deal is likely to be awarded in 2017. Three packages of the Riyadh Metro were awarded to separate consortia in 2013, with 2018 set as the target completion date for all packages at the time. A 12-month delay has been anticipated, with 2019 set as the new target completion date. No further delays are expected. (MEED)