CÔTE D’IVOIRE: A French-Korean consortium signed a build-operate-transfer concession agreement for Abidjan metro Line 1 on July 6.
The consortium comprises Hyundai Rotem (33%), Bouygues subsidiaries DTP Terrassement and Bouygues Travaux Publics (33%), Keolis (25%) and Dongsan Engineering (9%). Hyundai Rotem is to supply rolling stock and signalling, Dongsan Engineering electrification, and DTP Terrassement and Bouygues Travaux Publics and will be responsible for engineering work. Keolis is to operate the line.
The 37 km line would connect the northern and southern suburbs via the city centre, and would serve Félix Houphouët-Boigny International Airport.
The consortium excluding Keolis signed an initial agreement on April 11 2014. Preparatory work is expected to cost US$40m, with construction estimated to last 5½ years. The first phase is due to be completed in 2019, with passenger services starting in 2020.
