Minister of Transport and Communications and Vice-Chairman of Qatar Rail, H E Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti, with Hassan Al Thawadi, Director, Qatar Rail, witnessing a signing ceremony between, Eng Abdulla Abdulaziz Turki Al Subaie, Managing Director and CEO
DOHA: Qatar Railways Company (Qatar Rail), signed yesterday an agreement with Kinki Sharyo Co to procure 35 additional trains for the Doha Metro project, that will take the total number of trains serving the project to 110.
A joint cooperation agreement was also signed with Mowasalat to provide transport services for metro passengers through their taxi services “Karwa”.
Under this agreement, special discounts will be offered to metro passengers who book a taxi to take them from and to Doha Metro stations.
The additional trains will serve to increase the capacity of the metro system, especially when Qatar hosts the FIFA World Cup 2022, which is expected to attract over a million visitor during the tournament.
The trains will also serve the future expansion of the Doha Metro lines, which Qatar Rail intends to carry out after the implementation of Phase 1 of the metro project.
The agreements were signed at the Ministry of Transport and Communications in the presence of Minister of Transport and Communications, H E Jassim Saif Ahmed Al Sulaiti; Secretary General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, Hassan Al Thawadi; Qatar Rail’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Abdulla Abdulaziz Al Subaie; Hideki Hatai, Director, Member of the Board, The Kinki Sharyo Co, Ltd and representatives from both companies.
“The Doha Metro project is one of the most important pillars of the comprehensive transport plan that we seek to achieve. This step will enhance the metro networks capacity to transport a large number of individuals, which will in turn support the public transport network, especially when Qatar hosts the FIFA World Cup 2022, during which there will be high demand on the public transport systems, " said the Minister.
“Doha Metro trains, with the capacity of over a million passenger, will be able to run with an interval of 86 seconds to meet the demand of passengers during 2022 FIFA World Cup or any other similar event,” Minister of Transport and Communications H E Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti said on the sidelines of agreement signing ceremony.
He said that the trains would run, during regular days, as per the need. For example, there might be an interval of five minutes during peak hours in day time or seven minutes at night. “The interval time can be reset easily as per the demand of passengers because it will be fully automated,” said the Minister.
For his part, Hassan Al Thawadi said that “Qatar Rail’s projects will undoubtedly contribute to the provision of an exceptional experience for fans and visitors during the FIFA World Cup 2022. This project will not only facilitate their transport between stadiums, places of residence and touristic sites, but it will also provide them world-class services that will enrich their overall experience during this mega event”.
“Furthermore, this project is considered a crucial pillar that contributes to economic development in the state of Qatar, to meet the community needs, achieve long-term economic diversity and move towards accomplishing Qatar National Vision 2030,” he added.
Eng Abdulla Abdulaziz Al Subaie said that: “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 FIFA World Cup 2022. The increase in the number of trains serving the Doha Metro project will undoubtedly boost the networks capacity and decrease time spent between trips”.
“Moreover, providing 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 projects long-term goals represented in the expansion of the current lines to reach farther areas,” he added.
Regarding the latest project updates, Qatar Rail recently announced that the progress of Doha Metro Phase 1 Program now stands at approximately 90 percent. Civil work has been completed at all stations.
Karwa Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Khalid Nasser Al Hail said that “This MoU signing between the two major stakeholders Doha Metro & Mowasalat-Karwa, seals the bonding and relationship to deliver together integrated transport services for the State of Qatar.”
“This is a first major step in accomplishing our principals and MOTCs vision of providing integrated sustainable transport solutions to every citizen, visitors & guests. With this, we are confident of giving an “Enhanced Public Transport Customer Experience”.
