Connecting an array of tourist spots, hotels, international airport and stadiums, Qatar has launched a state-of-the-art metro system in Doha as the city primes up to host the 2022 World Cup football gala.
Named Doha Metro, the automated high-speed rail network also links residential neighborhoods and hotels for a seamless transport flow and a pleasant experience for international tourists and lovers of the popular sport, businesses and Qatari citizens.
The metro, which became fully functional on December 12, timed with the kick-start of Club World Cup football, making it a milestone in the energy-rich Gulf nation’s preparation for the coveted World Cup event.
Doha Metro Green Line Image: Qatar Ministry of Transport and Communications
The country is expected to welcome more than 1.5 million visitors from around the world during the 2022 World Cup, and officials say trains will be able to meet transportation requirements of one million visitors.
After Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani greenlighted the design of the Doha Metro stations in 2013, Qatar Rail began construction of the mega project. RKH Qitarat – a joint venture of Hamad Group (51%) and French transit operators Keolis and RATP Dev (49%) – operates the mass transportation project.
Befitting the city’s high-tech surroundings and skyscrapers, the metro offers WiFi and USB charging points to commuters.
The metro network, which has been launched one year ahead of the 2020 timeframe, consists of three lines – Red, Green and Gold, with 37 stations that run through the city with 50 km tunnels.
Red line connects Hamad International Airport with all parts of the city through interchange links with other Gold and Green lines.
“Doha metro will form the backbone of Qatar’s integrated public transport system promoting usage of public transport system in the country and key ingredient in the accomplishment of the Qatar National Vision 2030,” Qatar Rail says.
Water Feature in Sheraton Park with West Bay Skyline Iage: Ceslou / Wikimedia
Besides Doha Metro, Qatar is also building Lusail Tram, a service for convenient travel within the new futuristic city of Lusail, the largest ever single development project the country has undertaken.
Officials say Qatar Rail has also worked carefully to reflect Qatari heritage at the metro stations that have high vaulted roofs inspired by traditional Bedouin tents – making them a mix of tradition and modernity.
Another dimension of the project is that it would help the cause of greener and cleaner environment as fuel-efficient trains would take the burden off roads, and carry the bulk of commuters between major points of the city.
Qatar 2022 logo Image: Wikimedia
“We have focused on providing accessible stations with distinctive branding, signage, and digital displays inside and outside the stations.
“We provide live real time service updates, simple fare structure for our Travel Cards, as well as a handy mobile app with all the information you will need when travelling with us. Doha Metro is your answer to safe, convenient, affordable and stress-free travel around the city of Doha,” Qatar Rail says.
