Qatar launched its long-term development plan, Qatar National Vision , in October It is intended to make local public rail an attractive transportation option and to relieve the sprawling car traffic in Doha and the surrounding suburbs. In May , the 40 km Red Line was put into operation, initially serving 13 of the total 18 stations. Trains ran between Al Wakra in the south and Al Qassar station to the north of the city center. Today, the line has been extended to the Lusail terminus in northern Doha.
The first construction phase was realized at a rapid pace, with only seven years from the beginning of construction to the start of services. From August to September , 2. This record-breaking speed was only possible thanks to a well-rehearsed team. At peak times, 21 tunnel boring machines specially manufactured for this project by the German company Herrenknecht were in use simultaneously.
They assembled , concrete segments to form 70, tunnel rings. This achievement has rightly found a place in the Guinness Book of Records. A special alignment technology was used during tunneling to prevent subsidence of the buildings above.
The materials used also had to be designed for the special climatic conditions. Optimal temperature conditions inside the tunnel were ensured by a powerful tunnel air conditioning and ventilation system. Despite the many challenges, the project was completed to the full satisfaction of the client. This meant that all work could be provided to a high quality, within budget, and on time.
With this project, the company has helped to create a modern and sustainable mass transit infrastructure in Qatar. This has four lines with 25 above-ground and underground stops and is connected to the metro network via two interchange stations: Lusail and Legtaifiya on the Red Line.
