Qatar Rail’s World Cup preparations... ...are a years-long effort, says al-Subaie
Huge undertaking to deliver a safe and seamless travel experience to World Cup fans Metro fleet increased from 75 to 110 service-ready trains for the tournament World-class metro network to serve the World Cup and as a legacy for future generations
Qatar Railways Company (Qatar Rail) managing director and CEO HE Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki al-Subaie said the company’s preparations for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 are a years-long effort that started in 2010, when planning for the Doha Metro project commenced, while taking into account all requirements for a world-class metro network that serves not only the World Cup but also as a legacy for future generations and the city of Doha.
During a series of interviews that were conducted by journalist Abdullah al-Muslemani for the ‘Ahlan bel Alam’ (Hello World) programme on Qatar TV and which hosted Qatar Rail’s senior and executive manage- ment officials, HE Dr al-Subaie pointed out that Qatar Rail’s current level of preparedness is the result of many years of hard work and tireless efforts by the company’s workforce across its various specialisations and divisions, in addition to being the product of a range of drills and scenarios that were tested and implemented during several sports events, most notably the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup.
He added: “The metro stations, whether in terms of their spaciousness or the number of entrances available, took into account accommodating any expected influx of crowds during major events. This goes beyond the stations themselves and includes trains, whose number has been increased from 75 to 110 and are now ready for continuous service during the World Cup. Large teams at Qatar Rail have also put in place all the measures necessary for the tournament.”
HE Dr al-Subaie underlined the importance of preparations, training and drills implemented during the past years, where the metro network was put to the test on several occasions and many lessons were learned to improve and develop systems, train employees and staff, and boost preparedness levels through procedural guidelines, command and control systems, periodic maintenance, and equipment that have been upgraded and improved.
He explained that these preparations have contributed to the implementation of operational plans, the latest of which took place during the Lusail Super Cup in September and a recent musical concert at Lusail Stadium that saw the transportation of around 39,000 people to and from the stadium. This comes within the framework of the World Cup preparations in collaboration with partners and stakeholders such as the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, Mowasalat (Karwa) and the Transportation Security Department at the Ministry of Interior (MoI), among others.
The managing director and CEO of Qatar Rail added: “We are witnessing a high demand on the Doha Metro network and we urge fans and customers to plan ahead their journeys to and from stadiums and other destinations in Doha city. Through the official social media accounts of Qatar Rail, the Ministry of Transport and the relevant authorities, information is being made available on alternative means of transportation so that fans can plan and choose the ones that are most suitable for them.”