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Tribune News Network
Doha
As part of its commitment to delivering the Qatar Rail Program on schedule, Qatar Railways Company (Qatar Rail)recently conducted a Delivery Alignment Workshop.
The workshop, attended by Qatar Rail's executive management, project delivery team and project management consultants (PMCs), evaluated the progress of the programme and explored all opportunities to accelerate the progress and ensure timely delivery.
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 Programme as it approaches 62 percent overall completion. Over 280 million man-hours of work has 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."
"The completion of a four-km track of 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 end of the year. The civil structures are 95 percent complete and are scheduled for completion by the end of the year. The railway systems installation is on progress and the first trains will be tested on the test section of the Red Line before end of this year,"Eng Subaie said.
The key accomplishments in the first half of this year were ascribed to the fast-track approach in awarding the MEP and architectural fit out packages and implementing the Systems contractor's mitigation plans. The strategy will ensure earlier installation of railway equipment in the technical rooms of the stations allowing an earlier start of testing and commissioning.
Also key to the progress has been the establishment of a co-operative relationship with Qatar Civil Defence. Familiarisation with rail systems and underground facilities by conducting pre-inspection visits has been an essential factor to obtaining the required permits on time. As of today, all civil contracts have achieved DC1 designs approval.
The workshop was also attended by Minister of Transport and Communications HE Jassim bin Saif al Sulaiti, who followed the discussions as the workshop participants developed a set of prioritised actions for timely delivery of the project.
The minister thanked Qatar Rail team for the achievements and reiterated the significance of the Doha Metro project, which represents the backbone of an integrated public transport system in Doha.
Forward outlook for
the rest of 2017
* The first four Rolling Stock (Trains) from Japan are anticipated to arrive in Doha before year-end
* Three out of the 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
* The year 2017 is crucial in ensuring the 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
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 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 have 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.
* Al Qassar Station has witnessed remarkable progress with civil and structural works almost 98 percent 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 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. Architectural interior fit-out is also at an advanced stage.
* The Economic Zone Station has witnessed profound progress, with achieving 78 percent overall completion rate. As of end of June 2017, the civil and structural works were complete while internal architectural works are progressing with superstructure for walls and vaults completed. The project has also engaged with Qatar Civil Defence and it is proposed to have the first site visit scheduled for July 15.
