MORRISTOWN, N.J., April 1, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- H.R.H. Prince Faisal bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the governor of AlMadinah AlMunawwarah region and chairman of AlMadinah AlMunawwarah Development Authority (MMDA), today signed a contract with Louis Berger to be the program management office consultant (PMOC) for implementation of the AlMadinah AlMunawwarah Public Transportation Program (MPTP), one of the most ambitious transportation infrastructure initiatives in the Middle East. The value of the PMOC contract is approximately SAR 375 million ($100 million USD).
The MMDA event kicks off an ambitious phase of the Saudi government organization's MPTP initiative. MMDA's vision is to prepare AlMadinah AlMunawwarah (Madinah), the second holiest city in the Muslim world, to meet the expectations of both permanent residents and visitors through 2040.
With a major expansion of both the Prophet's Mosque and the city's airport, projections indicate as many as 8.6 million Umrah visitors and 3.6 million Hajj pilgrims will visit the city in 2040. The program will address current and future challenges related to crowding, traffic congestion and environmental pollution caused by vehicle emissions.
"We could not be prouder to be associated with MMDA in the implementation of the MPTP for the holy city of Madinah," said D. James Stamatis, president of Louis Berger's international operations. "The implementation of an advanced public transportation system will endow Madinah with one of the most advanced transportation systems in the world."
The PMOC contract will extend over a five year period, during which time Louis Berger will support and assist with MPTP's strategic planning as well as control, guide, oversee, coordinate and integrate service delivery of the various project and construction management consultants, any other consultants, advisors and third parties across MPTP projects. In addition, Louis Berger will be fully integrated with the MMDA management team. Together, they will act as one organization.
The MPTP includes a comprehensive metro and bus network, as well as substantial upgrades and new construction for the primary road network. It also provides relevant facilities, such as stations, park-and-ride lots, depots, and advanced intelligent transportation systems (ITS).
To promote knowledge sharing and ensure the sustainability of the project, Louis Berger will establish a talent development program allowing senior Saudi MMDA personnel to follow PMOC senior managers. The program aims to train and equip Saudi professionals with the management skills and technical capabilities to eventually take over the same positions they once shadowed before implementation is complete.
"Once completed, MPTP will boast world class transportation facilities, enabling the city to ensure the safety of its citizens, visitors and pilgrims — all while enabling greater knowledge transfer and training for Saudi professionals," said Thomas Topolski, Louis Berger's executive vice president and managing director, Middle East and North Africa.
About AlMadinah AlMunawwarah Development Authority (MMDA)
MMDA is a Saudi Arabian governmental organisation focused on developing the city of Madinah, which has nearly 1.1 million residents. The organisation is responsible for implementing the Madinah region's comprehensive plan. MMDA's vision is to prepare Madinah, the second holiest city in the Muslim world, to meet the expectations of its permanent residents and visitors up to the planning horizon of 2040.
About Louis Berger
Louis Berger is a $1 billion global professional services corporation that helps infrastructure and development clients solve their most complex challenges. We are a trusted partner to national, state and local government agencies; multilateral institutions; and commercial industry clients worldwide. By focusing on client needs to deliver quality, safe, financially-successful projects with integrity, we are committed to deliver on our promise to provide Solutions for a better world.
Louis Berger operates on every habitable continent. We have a long-standing presence in more than 50 nations, represented by the multidisciplinary expertise of nearly 6,000 engineers, economists, scientists, managers and planners. For more information, visit louisberger.com
Photo: H.R.H Prince Faisal bin Salman, governor of AlMadinah AlMunawwarah region and chairman of MMDA (left) shakes hands with Thomas Topolski, Louis Berger's executive president and managing director for Middle East and North Africa, (right) at the contract signing ceremony.
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