The Qatar Railways Company (Qatar Rail) has unveiled designs for the Doha metro and Lusail light rail vehicles (LRV), which are due to enter service in 2020.
Inspiration for the metro train design was found in the Arabian mares, which are held in high regard in Quatari culture. The design for Al Mehmel, the name given to the Lusail trams, derives from a traditional Qatari boat used for pearl fishing.
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Japan-based manufacturer of railroad vehicles, Kinki Sharyo, will be responsible for supplying 75 three-car trains for Doha Metro. One carriage is divided into two classes. The gold class will have 16 seats, while the family class will have 26 seats. The other two standard-class cars will each seat 88 passengers.
The vehicles will be equipped with advanced safety and security controls, will have intelligent air conditioning, and are claimed to have spacious seating.
The metro trains will be designed and manufactured by the Kinki Sharyo as part of the metro’s railway systems consortium, which is led by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI).
Qatar Rail managing director Abdulla Al Subaie said: "Across our projects, our build and design stages have been guided by the powerful coming together of tradition with modernity.
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By GlobalData"Deeply entrenched in Qatari culture and heritage, the Lusail Tram and Doha Metro designs celebrate the convergence of our country’s history with ground-breaking technologies and cutting-edge solutions. We are creating a seamless consumer journey and experience, built around the local community’s needs and values."
Led by MHI, the consortium was signed for a systems package for the Doha Metro and will provide power, ventilation and a highly advanced railway signalling system.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ deputy programme director Thierry Boussillon said: "We are delighted to supply the Doha Metro System to Qatar Rail. The Rolling Stock Al Faras design was borne through close coordination with Qatar Rail and our aesthetic design team.
"It combines the most modern technology with a unique yet elegant shape, and Qatari culture and heritage."
A consortium led by Alstom and Qatari Diar Vinci Construction (QDVC), will deliver a fully integrated Lusail tramway system, including 28 Citadis tramways, power supply equipment, signalling, and track works.
Image: Doha metro and Lusail LRVs are due to enter service in 2020. Photo: courtesy of Qatar Rail.
