Qatar Railways Company (Qatar Rail) on Thursday announced that it has signed an agreement to procure 35 additional trains for the Doha Metro, taking the total number of trains serving the project to 110.
The additional trains will help increase the capacity of the Metro system, especially when Qatar hosts the 2022 FIFA World Cup that is expected to attract more than a million visitors during the tournament, Qatar Rail has said in a statement. The trains will also serve the future expansion of Doha Metro lines, which Qatar Rail intends to carry out after the implementation of Phase 1 of the Metro project.
The agreement was signed at the Ministry of Transport and Communications in the presence of HE Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti, Minister of Transport and Communications; Hassan al-Thawadi, secretary-general of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), Abdulla Abdulaziz al-Subaie, Qatar Rail’s managing director and CEO; Hideki Hatai, director, member of the board, Kinki Sharyo Co Ltd; and representatives from both companies.
On the occasion, HE the Minister said: “The Doha Metro project is one of the most important pillars of the comprehensive transportation plan that we seek to achieve. This step will enhance the Metro network’s capacity to transport a large number of individuals, which will, in turn, support the public transport network, especially when Qatar hosts the 2022 FIFA World Cup 2022 — during which there will be a high demand on the public transport systems.”
On his part, al-Thawadi noted, “Qatar Rail’s projects will undoubtedly contribute to the provision of an exceptional experience for fans and visitors during the 2022 FIFA World Cup. This project will not only facilitate their transport between stadiums, places of residence and touristic sites, but will also provide them world-class services that will enrich their overall experience during this mega event.
“Further, this project is considered a crucial pillar that contributes to economic development in Qatar to meet the community’s needs, achieve long-term economic diversity and move towards accomplishing Qatar National Vision 2030.”
Al-Subaie added, “One of the most important goals of the Doha Metro is to provide a rapid transport network with widespread coverage between cities, especially when Qatar hosts the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The increase in the number of trains serving the Doha Metro project will undoubtedly boost the network’s capacity, decrease the time spent between trips and provide a comprehensive and seamless transport experience for visitors and crowds during this mega event.
“In addition, this strategic move will contribute to the achievement of the project’s long-term goals represented in the expansion of the current lines to reach farther areas.” Regarding the latest project updates, Qatar Rail recently announced that the progress of the Doha Metro Phase 1 Programme now stood at approximately 90%. Further, civil works have been completed at all stations, while MEP and architectural works are progressing at all 37 stations.
Gulf Times
04/10/2018
