Jul 17, 2005, 6:56 PM

Isfahan-Shiraz railway to be built by Iranian engineers, contractors

TEHRAN, July 17 (MNA) – The Ministry of Roads and Transportation’s Deputy Office for Railroad Construction and Development stated that Chinese companies were set aside from the tender for establishing the Isfahan-Shiraz railway, due to the disagreement of Management and Planning Organization (MPO) with the prices bid by the Chinese, Mehr News Agency (MNA) reported.

Hossein Tehrani, the deputy in charge, explained, “Chinese price bid of $597 million versus Iranians’ $450 million offer was the main factor in the decision taken by the MPO’s high technical council.” He also stipulated, “The Chinese did not agree with 10% discount suggested with MPO and the technical evaluation made by the council.” “Right now, the 505-km project is underway and the domestic contractors have so far completed the total of 125 km. The figure indicates simultaneous construction from both ends.”

The project is comprised of 5 lots and the 380-km lot rail construction also covers the road from Shahreza to Takht-e Jamshid, he further elaborated.

ML/MA

END

MNA

News ID 12058