This article is part of a daily series of MegaProjects articles. If you want to know more about PPP projects with a considerable size visit our MegaProjects section. You can receive them by email on a daily basis.

Canberra Metro PC Pty Ltd, a joint stock company established by Mitsubishi Corporation, Pacific Partnerships, John Holland and Aberdeen Infrastructure Investments, has signed an agreement with the Australian Capital Territory Government for a concession to undertake Light Rail Transit (LRT) operations in Canberra under a PPP scheme.

In early February we published that Camberra Metro consortium had been selected as the preferred bidder for the delivery of the light rail PPP project in Canberra. The consortium is formed by Pacific Partnerships, Mitsubishi Corporation, Aberdeen Infrastructure Investments Limited, John Holland, DB International, Leighton Contractors, Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF) and Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi.

Pacific Partnerships will also provide operations and maintenance services for 20 years, in partnership with John Holland and DB Engineering & Consulting. 

CPB Contractors will deliver the design and construction in a joint venture with John Holland. CAF will supply and maintain the light rail vehicles. Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Ltd. is the financial advisor with funding provided by local and international banks.

The total project investment is estimated at approximately A$783 million (US$555 million), which includes a nominal A$610 million plus A$173 million contingency.

The first stage of the Capital Metro project includes design and construction of a 12km light rail route from the fast growing area of Gungahlin to the city, with 13 stops, depot, road, signalling and preparatory works, and the ongoing operation and maintenance of the light rail system.