Metro
The Algiers metro project was originally started in the late 1980's but progress was slow due to budget constraints. First, plains to bring in foreign contractors were shelved and the main construction contract was awarded to Entreprise Nationale de Construction Siderurgique. Then, in an attempt to reduce the budget deficit, the whole project was abandoned in 1996. Finally, the project to build the capital's subway is being offered to the private sector. A group of French companies signed an agreement with Algeria that would allow them access to rail projects. Plans should be finalized by the end of this year.