Browsing 'doha metro' News

byVictoria Scott
Photos
byVictoria Scott
Photos

Qatar Rail

Exterior glass panels being installed on one of the new elevated stations

The massive Doha Metro project appears on track to begin testing trains this December, new photos of construction progress suggests.

Last week, Qatar Rail posted pictures on social media of some of the 37 metro stations currently under construction.

At some stops, glass facades, sweeping roofs and elegant vaulted ceilings could already be seen in place.

Qatar Rail also shared images of the roof structure of three of its above-ground stations – Al Wakra, Ras Bu Fontas and Economic Zone.

Qatar Rail

The roof panels for the elevated stations on the Red Line.

The fiberglass roofing panels have a look of sand dunes about them.

Dealing with the blockade

The first phase of the Doha Metro is set to open to passengers at the beginning of 2020.

Qatar Rail appears determined to stick to this timetable, despite the impact of the months-long GCC blockade.

Commenting on the installation of external glass panels at one station, the company acknowledged supply chain issues caused by the Gulf crisis, but said it was forging ahead.

In a statement this week, the company added that it recently moved a key component of the metro network from Dubai to Doha.

Relocating the Building Automation & Control System (BACS) center allows work to continue unaffected by regional politics.

Following a visit to the facility yesterday, Qatar’s Transport Minister Jassim Saif Al-Sulaiti said:

“Any doubt that the project will be delayed in light of external factors has been relinquished by the hard work and dedication of the Qatar Rail Team.”

Three test stations

By the end of this year, Qatar Rail is aiming to complete three “pilot” stations on the Red Line.

They are Al Qassar, which is part of Red Line North underground; Al Doha Al Jadeda, which is part of Red Line South underground; and the Economic Zone, one of the elevated stations on the Red Line South.

Qatar Rail

First phase of Doha Metro stops

Officials previously said that they aim to finish 70 percent of the project by the end of this year.

This includes laying all track, taking delivery of the first four driverless trains and awarding operator contracts.


Testing the trains is also expected to begin by year-end.

More than 52,000 people are working to ensure the public transport systems opens to passenger traffic in two years time.

In April, Qatar’s Emir urged officials to “speed up infrastructure projects of various types” and “to enhance the welfare of citizens and meet their needs.”

Thoughts?

byShabina S. Khatri
News
byShabina S. Khatri
News

Qatar Rail

Doha Metro rendering

Qatar Rail will begin testing its first Doha Metro trains by December, officials have announced.

More than 52,000 people are working to ensure the public transport systems opens to passenger traffic in two years time.

Also by year-end, Qatar Rail aims to complete three of the 37 metro stations being built for the first phase of the project.

These “pilot” stations are Al Qassar, part of Red Line North underground; Al Doha Al Jadeda, which is part of Red Line South underground; and the Economic Zone, one of the elevated stations on the Red Line South.

Qatar Rail

Doha Metro Red Line route

The goal is to ensure Civil Defense readiness and keep things progressing on time, Qatar Rail said in a statement this week.

Progress made

Tunneling on the public transportation network was finished at a breakneck pace last year.

And work is now underway to set up the stations across three lines (Red, Gold and Green).

Qatar Rail

Doha Metro tracks

According to CEO and managing director Abdulla Al-Subaie, more than 60 percent of Phase 1 is now complete.

Officials previously said that they aim to finish 70 percent of the project by the end of this year. This entails:

  • Completing track installation works;
  • Taking delivery of the first four of its 75 driverless trains in Doha; and
  • Awarding key operator contracts.

Speaking at a recent workshop, Al-Subaie said:

“The 10 Metro civil packages have now progressed to the next stage of construction, which will see all the 37 stations undergo mechanical, electrical and architectural fit-outs, a colossal undertaking and notable milestone for a landmark project.”

When it opens, the metro will also connect to two other separate rail projects.

They are the Lusail light-rail line, which contractors say will be operational by 2020; and a long-distance passenger and freight service linking to the GCC rail, whose timetable remains unknown.

Thoughts?

byShabina S. Khatri
News
byShabina S. Khatri
News

QNA

Qatar’s Emir checks out model of Doha Metro train

With only two and a half years to go before the Doha Metro opens to passenger traffic, Qatar’s Emir was briefed this week on the progress that has been made so far.

Yesterday, transport officials brought Sheikh Tamim up to speed on passenger services, the upcoming train designs and safety and security equipment, QNA reports.

He also viewed models of the Doha Metro and Lusail Light Rail Transit system and its various cabins, including first class, family and standard seating.

Qatar Rail

Doha Metro rendering

Additionally, he was updated by Ashghal about its upcoming projects.

Before leaving, he urged officials to “speed up infrastructure projects of various types” and “to enhance the welfare of citizens and meet their needs,” QNA reports.

Coming up

The first phase of the Doha Metro is set to open to passengers at the beginning of 2020.

Tunneling on the public transportation network was completed at a breakneck pace last year, and work is now underway to set up some 37 stations across three lines.

Qatar Rail

Construction at Green Line -Education City stop

On its website, Qatar Rail offers a peek at what’s going on behind the safety hoardings set up at each station.

It looks like work is well underway, including on the Green Line at Education City, the Msheireb Red Line station and the Gold Line’s Al Saad stop.

Qatar Rail

First phase of Doha Metro stops

Tracks have also already been laid at some of the few aboveground metro stations.

Officials said previously said that by the end of this year, the company aims to finish 70 percent of the public transport project. This entails:

  • Completing track installation works;
  • Taking delivery of the first four of its 75 driverless trains in Doha; and
  • Awarding key operator contracts.

When it opens, the metro will also connect to two other separate rail projects.

They are the Lusail light-rail line, which contractors say will be operational by 2020; and a long-distance passenger and freight service linking to the GCC rail, whose timetable remains unknown.

Thoughts?