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Doha - Qatar

HE Minister of Transport and Communications Jassim Saif Ahmed Al-Sulaiti stressed the importance of preparing a list of the priorities that play a key role in the delivery process of the Doha Metro Project as scheduled.

This was said during a Delivery Alignment Workshop Qatar Railways Company (Qatar Rail) has conducted recently as part of its commitment to delivering the Qatar Rail Program on schedule. The objective of the workshop, attended by both Qatar Rail’s executive management, project delivery team and its project management consultants (PMCs), was to evaluate the extent of progress to date and explore all opportunities to accelerate progress and ensure that timely delivery is secured.

At the workshop, Qatar Rail said it has achieved 62% completion of the Doha Metro Project and is on schedule so far, adding that over 280 million man-hours worked and the 10 Metro Packages have now progressed to the next stage of construction which will see all the 37 stations undergo mechanical, electrical and architectural fit-out.

HE the Minister thanked both Qatar Rail’s executive management and project delivery team for the achievements done to date, expressing his confidence in the delivery of the project as scheduled and within the estimated budget.

HE the Minister said the significance of the Doha Metro Project will represent the backbone of an integrated public transit system in Doha, stressing that such projects are contributing to achieving the Qatar National Vision 2030, thus placing the country amongst the countries that have modern, sustainable public transit facilities.

The strategic initiatives such as today’s workshop, he noted, reflect the serious commitment from Qatar Rail and the Ministry of Transport and Communications toward more development and embracing best practices that aim to achieve successful projects with regard to transport infrastructure.

The close follow-up from the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Abdulla Bin Nasser Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Chairman, Qatar Rail, had been a great impact on the ambitious initiatives being implemented by Qatar Rail to continue boosting the performance, HE the Minister added.

Opening the workshop, Qatar Rail’s Managing Director & CEO, Eng Abdulla Al Subaie, said: “We are very pleased with the progress of the Metro Phase 1 Program as it approaches 62% overall completion. Over 280 million man-hours have been worked and the 10 Metro civil packages have now progressed to the next stage of construction which will see all the 37 stations undergo mechanical, electrical and architectural fit outs, a colossal undertaking and notable milestone for a landmark project.” Al Subaie added; “The completion of a 4km trackwork railway test section along the Metro Red Line, together with the extensive progress made at the Main Depot at Ras Bu Fentas signals readiness for the arrival of the first consignment of trains before the end of the year. The civil structures are 95% complete and are scheduled for completion by the end of the year. The railway systems installation is in progress and the first trains will be tested on the test section of the Red Line before the end of this year.”

In recognition of its unique nature as an infrastructure project in Qatar, the Doha Metro Project will undergo a novel and thorough review and inspection process by the competent authorities. As part of the efforts to build confidence in the timely completion and delivery of the project, and nurture a transparent working protocol, Qatar Rail has initiated an early inspection protocol with the competent authorities. An integral part of this effort has been the development of the Pilot Station concept.

Three of the 37 Metro Stations for Phase 1 has been designated as ‘Pilot Stations’ and will serve as a benchmark for the integrated station model for Civil, MEP and Systems. These stations are Al Qassar Station as part of the Red Line North Underground package, Al Doha Al Jadeda Station as part of the Red Line South Underground package, and Economic Zone Station as part of the Red Line South Elevated and At Grade package.

The first Pilot Station, Al Qassar, has witnessed remarkable progress with civil and structural works almost 98% complete in the last month. The entrance shelter structure has been erected with internal architectural works now ongoing: the final wall finishes (tiling) has commenced.

For the second Pilot Station, Al Doha Al Jadeda, the trackwork has been installed within the station and the systems equipment rooms are being fitted out. The first batch of escalators has been delivered to site for installation with structural concrete works nearing completion. The pedestrian underpasses are structurally complete without the need for disrupting the flow of traffic on the existing Al Matar road above. The architectural interior fit-out is also at an advanced stage.

The third Pilot Station, Economic Zone, has also witnessed profound progress, currently 78% overall complete. As of the end of June 2017, the civil and structural works are complete while internal architectural works are now in progress with a superstructure for walls and vaults completed. Installation of the glass reinforced panel roof cladding to the main building is over 80% complete with the glass Facade for nearly 70% of the station is in place. The trackwork has been installed within the station and the systems equipment rooms are being fitted out. All ten escalators are now fully installed. The pedestrian bridges and access buildings are structurally complete with Facade works ongoing. The project has also engaged with Qatar Civil Defense and it is proposed to have the first site visit scheduled for 15 July 2017.