Qatar Rail is all set to enter the complex phase of track installation for its ambitious Doha Metro system and aims to complete about 70 per cent of the project by the end of 2017, said a report.

Building on the milestones in 2016, Qatar Rail has set ambitious goals for this year that will focus on its continuous, timely and cost-effective project completion, reported The Peninsula.

This year’s more notable milestones will include awarding of the rail and facilities management (FM) operator contracts, the arrival of the first four trains in Doha, dynamic testing of the first train in Japan as well as advancement of operational readiness preparations and the development of revenue generating capabilities, stated the report.

Last year witnessed a few significant milestones where Qatar Rail recently celebrated the completion of viaducts on the Doha Metro project; following the completion of all tunnelling works, it added.

Qatar Rail said the construction focus had now shifted to the more complex phase of installing tracks and the railway control systems, as well as the installation of mechanical and electrical plant and equipment, and carrying out architectural fit-outs.

It is expected that the track installation works will be completed by the end of 2017, stated the report, citing a top official.

"We are about to embark on the most critical phase of the Rail Development Programme; we will be soon transitioning from a rail developer to a rail operator. Furthermore, we are implementing every possible measure to accelerate our progress and accomplish Qatar Rail’s vision," remarked Abdulla Abdulaziz Al Subaie, the managing director and chairman of the executive committee of Qatar Rail.

About 37 stations of the Doha Metro project are under construction with more than 41,000 workers on site. The metro project has so far worked a total of 202 million man hours and achieved one of the lowest Accident Frequency Rates (AFR) in construction in the world.

"Accordingly, we have launched a business transformation programme that rests on four pillars: delivery of the programme on time, budget and quality, financial and operational Sustainability, organisational efficiency and building Qatari capabilities," he added.