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DOHA: Qatar Rail yesterday unveiled the exterior designs of the upcoming Doha Metro and Lusail Tram.
The display of the designs of railway vehicles -- 'Al Faras' for Doha Metro and 'Al Mehmel' for Lusail tram -- will give the public a glimpse of what the new systems will look like when they open in 2020.
The Doha Metro and Lusail Tram project designs combine Qatari heritage and culture with modern technology. A symbol of intelligence and speed, 'Al Faras' - a name given to the Arabian mare - has inspired the design of the Doha Metro driverless trains and their dynamic shape. Since ancient times, mares have been prized in Qatari culture. For war or racing, they were preferred over colts or stallions since they are more disciplined and easier to control. This relates to the nature of Doha Metro as one of the fastest driverless trains in the world and the fastest in the region at 100km per hour. The mare's intelligence relates to the advanced technology used in driverless trains.
The dynamic shape of the Arabian mare served as inspiration for the front end of the vehicle and its lines define a shape that is powerful yet slender and elegant. The design is custom made for the Doha Metro project and the shape of the windows resembles the eyes of the mare. The interior is inspired by the progressive architecture present in Doha's skyline, combining traditional and modern elements.
Equally sophisticated, 'Al Mehmel', which signifies 'Al Dhow' - the old traditional Qatari boat used for pearl fishing - served as the main inspiration for the Lusail Tram design.
The design concept focused on the sea representing dhow pearl fishing and bringing in the calm, cool, elegant and tranquil elements of that medium to the design.
All these features will be depicted in the design of the trams.
On the unveiling, Abdulla Al Subaie, Qatar Rail's Managing Director, said: "Across our projects, our build and design stages have been guided by the powerful coming together of tradition with modernity.
"Deeply entrenched in Qatari culture and heritage, the Lusail Tram and Doha Metro designs celebrate the convergence of our country's history with groundbreaking technologies and cutting-edge solutions. We are creating a seamless consumer journey and experience built around the local community's needs and values."
Twinned with the train designs is a world-class combination of technologies and solutions that will deliver the ultimate commuter experience powered by two international partnerships.
The first, with a consortium led by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, was signed for a systems package for the Doha Metro. One of the world's largest projects for a single metro system, the partnership delivers integrated, groundbreaking and automated operations for the Doha Metro - including power, ventilation and a highly advanced railway signalling system - and ultimate passenger comfort.
Thierry Boussillon, Deputy Programme Director of the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, 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."
Future commuters will enjoy a smart, driverless experience equipped with advanced safety and security controls, intelligent air conditioning and spacious seating.
In total, 75 trains - consisting of three cars, one of which will be for Gold and Family Class and two for Standard class - will be delivered to Doha Metro. Gold will have 16 seats, family 26 seats and standard 88 seats. The metro trains are designed and manufactured by the Kinki Sharyo Company at their factory in Osaka, Japan.
The second partnership, a consortium led by Alstom and QDVC, will deliver a fully integrated Lusail tramway system, including 28 Citadis tramways, power supply equipment, signalling and track works. The tram's full low-floor Citadis will offer high-end passenger comfort and are designed for extreme weather conditions.
© The Peninsula 2016
