Those behind the Ulaanbaatar Metro, Mongolia’s first mass rapid urban rail initiative, are in the UK later this month, highlighting the opportunities and hoping to tap into the country’s expertise.

The project is aimed at transforming the capital city’s transportation landscape which with a rapidly growing population and worsening congestion, conceived initially in 2013 and now updated with a 2025 feasibility study.

“The project focuses on the construction of a mass rapid metro system with an initial phase of a 19.4km east-west line comprising 15 stations,” explained Yelik Khuat, Architect of the Ulaanbaatar Metro Project. “The system is designed to meet international standards, integrating modern technologies and urban planning best practices.

“It aims to alleviate traffic congestion, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance the quality of life for Ulaanbaatar’s residents by providing a reliable, efficient alternative to private car use.

“In urban planning practices, the project will support Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) and station area development, and it supports the “multi-centre” concept for the city’s future growth.”

Currently, the project is in the advanced stages of preparation. Feasibility studies have been completed, including updated risk analysis, while environmental and social impact assessments and financial structuring are in progress.

Central Government and City Council approvals have been secured for the project framework, and the tendering process for construction and operation is being finalised, aiming to begin construction soon.

With the project gathering momentum, a team from the project will be in the UK from June 15, including at Rail Live on Wednesday, June 18, raising awareness of the significant opportunity for global and UK-based rail industry companies.

Among the areas of expertise, the team is looking for includes:

– Rolling stock supply (metro trains). – Rail systems (signalling, telecommunication, and safety) – Power supply – Depot equipment and maintenance services – Station systems, including platform screen doors (PSD) and SCADA systems, air conditioning, HVAC, Fire Detection and Suppression Systems, Automatic Fare Collection Systems (AFC) , Elevators and Escalators and Safety and Evacuation Systems. – Financing and project management consultancy services.

Munkhdalai Tumendalai, Project Director of the Ulaanbaatar Metro Project added: “The UK is a global leader in the railway industry, known for its cutting-edge technology, innovation, and project execution capabilities. Companies such as Alstom UK, CAF UK, Hitachi, Pandrol, Ricardo Rail, and Arup – which we are visiting as part of the mission – are renowned for their experience in major infrastructure projects such as Crossrail and the London Underground.

“Our engagement with the UK rail sector is strategic, given its outstanding reputation for high safety standards, modern engineering solutions, and sustainable practices. We aim to leverage this expertise to ensure the Ulaanbaatar Metro is built to the highest international standards.”

Through UKEF’s involvement, a significant portion of the external loan for the project is expected to be backed by UK guarantees. UKEF’s content requirement mandates a minimum of 20 per cent UK goods and services, creating strong opportunities for British firms to secure substantial contracts on the project.

Munkhdalai said: “The Ulaanbaatar Metro Project presents not only a nation-building opportunity but also a gateway into the broader East Asian market for UK rail organisations. As Mongolia’s first metro system, it offers a growing infrastructure market with strong Government support for urban development projects.

“Being part of Mongolia’s first metro system offers a unique opportunity to shape a nation’s transport future and leave a legacy and UKEF support provides a reliable financial backing, reducing investment risk for UK supplier and service providers.

“The project is aligned with global sustainable development goals (SDGs), focusing on reducing emissions and promoting green urban mobility and collaboration with Mongolian and international firms will foster knowledge transfer and establish long-term business relationships in the region.”

Interested organisation can learn more and express their interest by visiting www.ipiu.mn (Integrated Project Management Office) https://www.ubm1-pmc.mn/en (project management consultant website for metro project) or by emailing ubmetro@ipiu.mn munkhdalai.t@ipiu.mn (Project Director).

Detailed tender documents and prequalification guidelines will be available in the upcoming Tender stage-02. Engagements with UKEF will also be facilitated for eligible UK companies.

https://news.railbusinessdaily.com/mongolias-first-mass-rapid-urban-rail-initiative-turns-to-uk-expertise/