Qatar Rail said it has set ambitious goals for 2018 on the Doha Metro project aiming to complete more than 90 per cent of the work, including the remaining MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) and architectural fit-outs, this year.

This will see completion of the Red Line up to Al Qassar and the start of trial operations. Qatar Rail also is looking forward to the arrival of the first batch of trains for the Lusail Tram this year, said the statement from the company.

Qatar Rail pointed out that 2017 was a year of significant milestones for the company with the progress on the Doha Metro project exceeding 73 per cent, while its other big Lusail Tram project witnessing 69 per cent work completion.

Civil engineering works were all completed in 2017, and the focus has shifted onto MEP works and architectural fit-out in stations, said the statement.

Progress of the MEP works reached 56 per cent last year and final MEP testing and commissioning has begun on the Red Line up to Al Qassar. Façade installation was completed in the elevated sections of the Red Line and internal fit-out is well progressed, it stated.

The year also saw the completion of track-laying activities in the depot, with both Section 1 (Red Line up to Al Qassar) and all of the elevated parts of Green Line completed.  A total of 106 km of track was laid in 2017, it added.  

"We have come leaps and bounds in laying the foundations for our connected nation and the Doha Metro project forms the fundamental backbone of the integrated public transport system supporting Qatar's National Vision 2030," remarked Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti, the Minister of Transport and Communications.

With the work moving at a steady pace, Doha Metro will be on track for a fully operational service by 2020, he added.

Al Sulaiti was speaking after visiting the Doha Metro Economic Zone Station along with the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani.

Later the Prime Minister travelled on one of the new trains passing through the tunnels between Economic Zone and Oqba Ibn Nafea Station, passing along the viaduct to Al Wakra.

The new fully driverless trains are amongst the fastest in the region, capable of speeds up to 100 km/h, and will deliver a safe, reliable and fast commuter service for passengers.

Some of the ultra-modern features of the trains include digital media and signage, integrated journey planning, self-service machines ticketing, intelligent air-conditioning, and full Wi-Fi coverage across the entire network.

The state-of-the-art Economic Zone Station is located at the intersection of F-Ring Road and the Al Wakra Road. The completed station will be able to accommodate up to 15,000 passengers per hour and will serve as the focal point and main transport hub for the Qatar Economic Zone in Ras Bu Fontas, close to Hamad International Airport.

The design of the station is representative of the Doha Metro. Traditional Qatari themes and motifs are blended with modern architecture to achieve a look and feel with a uniquely Qatari aesthetic whilst also being safe, sustainable, functional and modern.

As an integral part of the Qatar Rail Development Programme (QRDP), the Doha Metro network, consisting of four lines, will cover the Greater Doha area and will include connections to town centres and vital commercial and residential areas throughout the city.

In central Doha, the metro will be underground, whilst at the outskirts it will mainly be at ground level or above the ground. The first phase of the project, involving three lines, is due to operate in 2020, it added.-TradeArabia News Service