Divergent Risk Prioritization and Safety Governance in Metro Construction Projects: Evidence from Cairo Metro Line 3

Authors

• Shrouk M. El Gebaly, M.Sc. Candidate, National Authority for Tunnels - Ministry of Transportation, Cairo, EgyptFollow
• Khaled M. Dewidar, Professor of Architecture, Vice Dean of Teaching & Learning, Faculty of Engineering, the British University of EgyptFollow
• Taher M. Elsamni, Consultant Civil Engineer, Infrastructure, Tunneling, and Metro Projects Specialist, JapanFollow

Abstract

Safety risk management remains a critical challenge in large-scale infrastructure projects, particularly in complex urban metro systems where multiple stakeholders operate under different organizational mandates. While previous research has examined construction safety risks, limited studies have explored how project stakeholders prioritize these risks within the same project environment and how such differences influence safety governance. This study investigates stakeholder risk prioritization in metro construction through a qualitative case study of Cairo Metro Line 3 in Egypt. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with representatives from three key stakeholder groups: the client organization, consulting engineers, and construction contractors. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify patterns in stakeholder risk perception and decision-making. The findings show that stakeholders prioritize risks according to their institutional roles. Client organizations emphasize project schedule commitments and strategic infrastructure delivery, contractors focus on operational hazards affecting workforce safety, and consulting engineers prioritize design integrity and regulatory compliance. These divergent priorities contribute to fragmented safety governance and reactive risk mitigation practices. Drawing on institutional theory, the study proposes an integrated risk governance framework incorporating Joint Risk Review Committees (JRRCs) and a Unified Risk Register (URR) to align stakeholder priorities. The research contributes to the literature on construction safety and megaproject governance by demonstrating how institutional roles shape risk perception and safety decision-making in complex infrastructure projects.

Keywords

Construction safety, Risk prioritization, Safety governance, Infrastructure megaprojects, Metro construction, Stakeholder management, Egypt, Institutional theory

Recommended Citation

Gebaly, Shrouk M. El; Dewidar, Khaled M.; and Elsamni, Taher M. (2026) "Divergent Risk Prioritization and Safety Governance in Metro Construction Projects: Evidence from Cairo Metro Line 3," HBRC Journal: Vol. 22: Iss. 1, Article 53.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.65800/2090-9934.1052
Available at: https://journal.hbrc.edu.eg/journal/vol22/iss1/53