The Doha Metro, when it gets completed in a few years time, is set to revolutionise travel within the country.

In a sign that work on the project is progressing strictly on schedule, officials announced that 62% of work on Doha Metro’s Phase 1 has already been completed, reported Gulf Times.

“We’re very pleased with the progress of the Metro Phase 1 programme as it approaches 62% overall completion. Over 280 million man-hours have been completed so far and the 10 Metro civil packages have now progressed to the next stage of construction,” said Qatar Railways Company (Qatar Rail) managing director and CEO Abdulla Al Subaie, during a Delivery Alignment Workshop yesterday.

“The next stage will see all 37 stations undergo mechanical, electrical and architectural fit-outs, which is a colossal undertaking and notable milestone for a landmark project,” he added.

He elaborated on the works that have been completed so far.

“The 4km track works for the Railway Test Section, along the Metro Red Line, is now complete while work on the Heavy Maintenance Depot at Ras Bu Fentas is vigorously progressing and on track for the arrival of the Rolling Stock (Trains) by end of year,” he was quoted as saying by The Peninsula.

The railway systems installation is currently in progress and the first trains will be tested on the test section of the Red Line before end of this year.

“The progress rate is remarkable. With currently more than 52,000 people working to deliver Metro Phase 1, the Accident Frequency Rate is 0.036, which is most probably the lowest ever achieved in such a mega project. From the onset, safety has been at the helm of our operation,” said Daniel Leckel, chief of programme delivery.

Qatar Tribune had a round-up about possible milestones for the Doha Metro Project in the coming months.

* The first four Rolling Stock (Trains) from Japan are anticipated to arrive in Doha before year-end. 

* Three out of 37 Metro Stations, namely Al Doha Al Jadeda, Al Qassar and Economic Zone, have been designated as ‘Pilot Stations’ and are expected to be ready for final inspection by Qatar Civil Defence by December, 2017.

* Testing and commissioning is projected to commence by the fourth quarter of 2017

* Substantial completion of all three Elevated Stations of the Metro Red Line South is anticipated by the end of December, 2017.

* 2017 is crucial in ensuring operational readiness preparations, strengthening engagement with Qatar Civil Defence Department and other external stakeholders, implementing revenue strategies particularly in relation to retail, advertising and station naming rights, and awarding construction of transit oriented developments

Pilot Stations

* Al Qassar Station has witnessed remarkable progress with civil and structural works almost 98% completed. The entrance shelter structure has been erected with internal architectural works are progressing and the final wall finishes (tiling) has commenced. 

* For Al Doha Al Jadeda, the track 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 and structural concrete works are nearing completion.

* The Economic Zone Station has witnessed profound progress, achieving 78% completion rate. Civil and structural works were completed in June.

Once completed, Doha Metro is expected to have the fastest driverless trains in the region.