Most advanced and reliable metro system in the world: al-Ansari
Backup systems equipped for emergencies to ensure operational continuity
On the infrastructure systems of the metro network, Jassim Mohamed al-Ansari, chief of Programme Delivery at Qatar Rail, said: “Qatar Rail has four key pillars and objectives that we have accounted for, even before initiating any action on systems’ selection, namely safety, reliability, sustainability and the quality and efficiency of those systems. All of the objectives were derived from the Qatar National Vision 2030, which was launched in 2008.”
Al-Ansari noted that it was taken into account that all systems used are highly sophisticated and reliable.
He added that signalling systems that control train operations are some of the most modern and advanced in the world, and are characterised by being highly reliable and ready. All trains are driverless, operate at a speed of 80kph, and are connected to quality-of-service monitoring systems. Al-Ansari pointed out the importance of the network’s communication systems in organising and regulating communication between devices, trains, control rooms and service centres, among other systems, in addition to the systems used in maintenance operations that provide real-time data on the status of trains, systems and infrastructure or any malfunction to provide a quick response to any emergency.
This is in addition to the systems used to monitor and supervise the quality of the systems on the premises, which are connected to air conditioning systems, pumps and other equipment to detect any defects and take the necessary action. Al-Ansari explained that for the World Cup preparations, the reliability of the metro network has been tested over the course of more than three years, and that software systems are constantly updated, especially since the various infrastructure systems used within the network are upgradable and scalable when needed.
He added: “For instance, as part of the preparations for the World Cup, the number of AFC (automated fare collection) gates at the stations has been increased and they continue to work efficiently without any technical problems experienced as a result of the additional installations. The number of trains in the fleet has also been increased with additional trains to support the hosting of major events, including the World Cup, with a number of trains currently in operation while other service-ready trains are held in the depot.”
Al-Ansari noted that backup systems are in place and are available when needed or in the case of any emergency, such as the metro’s Integrated Control Centre (ICC) in Al Wakra, which has another backup centre in a different location equipped with the same systems and is neither electronically nor geographically connected to the main system currently in operation.
This ensures that in the event of a malfunction or emergency in the main system, the backup control centre maintains operational processes without incurring any damage.
He pointed out that all the main system lines in the rail network’s infrastructure are equipped with more than one power supply source to ensure the continuity of service in the event of any emergency, and that many tests and drills have been conducted for thousands of systems since the operation of the network commenced.
David Karl Screen, Operation and Maintenance director at Qatar Rail, said Doha Metro operates a state-of-the-art rail network.
He added: “Based on the fact that the Doha Metro network is one of the best and most modern in the world, the network has been designed to serve future generations. Our stations and their hallways, as noted by all our customers, are very spacious and have been built and designed to accommodate numbers of passengers that far exceed the current patronage. The train network is fully automated, which enhances our ability to increase its capacity and the number of trains operating, and this translates into the transportation of a larger number of passengers than usual when needed.”
He pointed out that all the operational systems of the network are integrated with alarm systems and other automated systems, to monitor and ensure security, safety, and reliability of service across the network. In addition to the modern technologies used, sufficient and well-trained staff serve the network, and over the past few months, around 4,000 additional customer service staff have been appointed to support in serving customers and fans during the tournament.
Screen explained that fans using the network on a daily basis during the tournament will have a sufficient number of employees to help and guide them through implementing crowd management processes, organising queues and monitoring security, in addition to other public services to support and assist the fans.
He noted that one of the distinctive aspects of the services provided by Qatar Rail’s welltrained staff is the initiative to provide immediate assistance to fans and customers without waiting for them to request help.
Screen said that in the context of ensuring that all systems work together as required, an integrated command and control centre was set up to monitor all processes and aspects related to the train network, such as station congestion, service reliability, security and more.
He added that the command and control centre is linked to the main co-ordination centre for the World Cup, which monitors all tasks and operations related to transportation in Doha, and this allows rapid intervention in the case of any emergency or malfunction within the country’s transportation system.
For example, if there is a problem with bus services, the train network can handle a heavier load and vice-versa.
Screen added: “The most important thing about this type of transportation system is our ability to spread messages and announcements in ways that the fans can rely on, so that they can plan their journeys accordingly and enjoy the tournament and its cheerful vibes.”