Its nice to know that a railway system is under developemnt in Qatar. It would really help the people who dont have their own conveyance because majority of the expats can not afford the taxis and its difficult to get a bus or taxi and it would be a fun as well for everyone :)

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QATAR yesterday took a major step aimed at developing a comprehensive and consolidated national railway system with the Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company and Germany-based Deutsche Bahn signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to prepare the ground work for the ambitious transport project.

"The MoU will kick off the multibillion dollar national undertaking through setting the project basis and developing a conceptual design for integrating Qatar's various planned railways into a comprehensive and consolidated national railway system," an official spokesman said.

"In addition, the MoU sets the basis for future co-operation between the parties," he added.

"Based on the vision of HH the Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani for the development of Qatar and the goal of connecting the people of Qatar with the rest of the GCC, Qatari Diar, in co-operation with Deutsche Bahn, will review technically and financially how a consolidated railway network can best link the systems that are already being planned and provide possible synergies that will have an overall benefit for the country."

Following the completion of the study, a comprehensive presentation will be made to the Emir.

The railway project consists of the following:

1. The east coast rail link, a passenger and freight railway linking Ras Laffan and Mesaieed via Doha.


2. The high speed link between the New Doha International Airport, Doha City Centre and Bahrain via the planned causeway.


3. The freight rail link based on the GCC rail and Doha Expressway studies.


4. The Doha Metro Network based on the Qatar Transport Master Plan and


5. The light rail/people mover networks linking Lusail, Education City and the West Bay.

Based on state-of-the-art and environment-friendly technology, the consolidated railway network will fit the needs of Qatar while ensuring a close link with the local culture, the spokesman said.

"We are looking forward to working closely with Deutsche Bahn, one of the world's leading railway service companies, to integrate a state-of-the-art rail system for Qatar," said CEO of Qatari Diar, Ghanim bin Saad al-Saad.

"We believe such a system will advance Qatar's forward-thinking goals of becoming a first-class state that provides a high standard of living for all its residents and is an international destination for industry and tourism."

Deutsche Bahn International Chairman and Deutsche Bahn AG representative Martin Bay said: "We are excited to have the opportunity to work with Qatari Diar on the integrated railway network. Qatar's vision and ambition is inspiring and we look forward to being part of the further development of this great country."

In undertaking the study, Qatari Diar and Deutsche Bahn will utilise significant resources, including deploying a team of about 70 local and international experts who will be based in Qatar.

Over the next several months, Qatari Diar and Deutsche Bahn will meet with organisations throughout the state to get inputs on how their existing rail network projects can best be integrated with each other, while maintaining their own original integrity and function.

Deutsche Bahn, which provides Europe's most extensive train systems connecting over 80 cities, is one of the world's leaders in modern railway services and seamless transit.

Qatari Diar, an investment company of the Qatari government, is wholly-owned by the Qatar Investment Authority, and is developing a number of forward-looking projects that will shape the future of Qatar, including the city of Lusail and the Doha Convention Center and Tower.

Source: Gulf Times