Qatar government is set to spend a whopping QR261 billion ($72 billion) on infrastructure development with special focus on transport, water, electricity and sewage besides a number of road expansion projects, said a report.

A lion's share of QR87 billion ($24 billion) will go towards transport sector development including on new rail projects and port infrastructure, while QR54 billion ($15 billion) will be spent on other infrastructure and QR30 billion ($8.2 billion) in water and electricity, reported the Gulf Times, citing the country's finance minister.

"The main goal during the preparation of the 2016 budget was to ensure the completion and implementation of major projects in key sectors along with projects related to the FIFA World Cup in 2022," stated Ali Sherif Al Emadi.

“This policy will maintain robust economic growth in the country,” he added.

According to him, the government has allocated QR24 billion ($7 billion) for development of sports infrastruture including the construction of new stadiums for the earth's biggest sporting event in 2022.

Elaborating on the projects, Al Emadi said: "Funds have also been set apart for the rail projects and the New Doha Port besides a number of roads including the new Al Rayyan Road, new Al Khor Road and the development of the “Fifth Ring” Road in Doha."

"Infrastructure development at the Doha Industrial Area and expansion of the water, electricity and sewerage networks in various areas would be executed to keep up with population growth in urban locations of the country," he added.

Qatar’s budget for 2016, he stated, has made higher allocation for major projects and a significant outlay for infrastructure, health and education sectors. "This demonstrated the government’s keenness on sustainable development," he added.