Work on three metro rail stations – in Msheireb, Al Rayyan and behind the Qatar National Museum – is expected to begin shortly as part of the Qatar Integrated Railway project.
Along with two other stations in Doha and its outskirts, these are among the 47 stations planned under the rail project.
A sum of $137.3m (QR500m) has been allocated for taking over land from private owners before starting work on the proposed stations, according to Al Sharq.
Authorities have yet to release details of the demolition plan. However, it is believed that Souq Khalid will soon be demolished to make way for the rail project.
Several buildings behind this souq and in other areas, including Najma, Old Airport and Al Sadd, are also earmarked for demolition.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held last October for a key interchange station at Msheireb that will be the hub of the Doha metro network.
The station is being built as part of Msheireb Properties' landmark Msheireb Downtown Doha regeneration project.
The Qatar Integrated Railway Project covers four metro lines in Doha, tram routes in West Bay and Lusail, a high-speed line and dedicated freight railways.
Last August, Qatar Rail signed five contracts totalling QR1.48bn for work on the first phase of the metro, which covers 129km, including the Red, Green and Gold lines.
Phase 1 is due to open in Q1 2019, well ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The core city-centre interchange at Msheireb is located at a point where the Red and Green lines will be running parallel and intersected by the Gold line.
The station concourse will be 15m below ground, with a direct connection to retail developments.
ConstructionWeekOnline
18 January
