RAIL Launches Preliminary Work for Doha Metro Project

Doha, October 10 (QNA) - Qatar Railway Company (RAIL) on Wednesday announced the beginning of enabling works (pre-construction work) for the first phase of the Doha metro network, starting with Musheireb station, the planned central link of the network. Speaking at a celebration to mark the occasion, RAIL's Executive Committee Chairman Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Subaie said that the first phase, which marks the first milestones of the metro project in Qatar is witnessing an important day on the way towards establishing a modern and efficient transport system that complies with security requirements and environmental safety, achieves sustainable development, provides the highest levels of well-being for citizens and residents and serve the economy and society at the same time. Al-Subaie explained that the currently-underway pre-construction excavation work in Musheireb station is an important step in the implementation of one of the largest infrastructure projects in Qatar, which aims to design, develop and operate an integrated system of world-class railways. The enabling works are expected to conclude during the first quarter of 2013, Al Subaie said, noting that Musheireb station, which is located in the heart of Doha, will take six years to complete as the largest metro station, designed to allow the construction of towers above it. He added that offers submitted by 18 alliances will be evaluated next week and a decision will be made and then the winning contractor shall be awarded during the first quarter of 2013. As for rail systems, Al-Subaie said that the work is currently focused on developing the requirements of the systems, which include trains, HVAC systems, communications and operating system. The final phase of the project will be inaugurated in October 2019, RAIL CEO Saad Ahmed Al Mohannadi said, stressing that all steps are going according to the schedule. A consortium of Hamad Bin Khalid Contracting Company (HBK), Saudi Binladin Group, and Austrian Porr are in charge of the enabling works and processing sites for contractors, HBK CEO HE Sheikh Ali bin Hamad bin Khaled Al Thani said. HE added that enabling works include drilling operations, changing the course of services, the renewal of some services to avoid any obstacles that could emerge during the construction phase. (QNA)