Qatar Rail has unveiled Doha Metro and Lusail Tram designs, giving the public a glimpse of what the new systems will look like when they open in 2020.

For the Doha Metro, the company also reported an 89 per cent completion rate of tunnelling works (99 km out of 111 km of tunnels) during the first week of April. More than 112 million man hours have been invested in the project with the support of over 32,000 workers, underpinned by rigorous safety and security processes.

Similarly, the Lusail Light Rail Transit is under way with 35 per cent of the construction works completed to date.

The exterior designs of the upcoming railway vehicles, 'Al Faras' for the Doha Metro and 'Al Mehmel' for the Lusail tram combine Qatari heritage and culture with modern technology. A symbol of intelligence and speed, 'Al Faras' – a name given to the Arabian mare – has inspired the design of the Doha Metro driverless trains and their dynamic shape.

The Doha Metro will be one of the fastest driverless trains in the world and the fastest in the region travelling at 100 kmph. The design is custom-made for the Doha Metro project and the shape of the windows resembles the eyes of the mare. The interior is inspired by the progressive architecture present in Doha skyline, combining traditional and modern elements.

"Al Mehmel", which signifies "Al Dhow" – the old traditional Qatari boat used for pearl fishing – served as the main inspiration for the Lusail Tram design.  “The design concept focused on the sea representing dhow pearl fishing and bringing in the calm, cool, elegant and tranquil elements of that medium to the design,” said Qatar Rail in a statement.

Abdulla Al Subaie, Qatar Rail's managing director said: "Across our projects, our build and design stages have been guided by the powerful coming together of tradition with modernity. Deeply entrenched in Qatari culture and heritage, the Lusail Tram and Doha Metro designs celebrate the convergence of our country's history with groundbreaking technologies and cutting-edge solutions. We are creating a seamless consumer journey and experience built around the local community's needs and values."

Twinned with the train designs is a world-class combination of technologies and solutions that will deliver the ultimate commuter experience powered by two international partnerships.

The first, with a consortium led by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, was signed for a systems package for the Doha Metro. One of the world's largest projects for a single metro system, the partnership delivers integrated, groundbreaking and automated operations for the Doha Metro – including power, ventilation and a highly advanced railway signalling system – and ultimate passenger comfort.

Commuters will enjoy a smart, driverless experience equipped with advanced safety and security controls, intelligent air conditioning and spacious seating.

In total, 75 trains – consisting of three cars, one of which will be for Gold and Family Class and two for Standard class – will be delivered to Doha Metro: Gold will have 16 seats, family 26 seats and standard 88 seats. The metro trains are designed and manufactured by the Kinki Sharyo Company at its factory in Osaka, Japan.

The second partnership, a consortium led by Alstom and QDVC, will deliver a fully integrated Lusail tramway system, including 28 Citadis tramways, power supply equipment, signalling and track works.

The first phase of the Doha Metro project is expected to be complete in 2019/20, while completion of the Lusail Tram is set for 2020. By 2030, all the three networks – Doha Metro, Lusail Tram and the long-distance rail, which will link Qatar with the GCC Rail network – are expected to be complete.

With the completion of the first phase of the Doha Metro and Lusail Tram by 2021, 37 metro stations are expected to be complete, with an average journey time of three minutes between adjacent stations. – TradeArabia News Service