Gulf Construction Online - $8bn contracts awarded for Doha Metro project

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$8bn contracts awarded for Doha Metro project

01 July 2013

QATAR Railways (Qatar Rail) has awarded four design-and-build contracts worth QR30-billion ($8.34 billion) for Phase One of the Doha Metro project.

The contract awards marks a key milestone in the development of the Qatar Rail Development programme (QRDP), whose Phase One construction is scheduled to begin later this year, and expected to be completed by 2019.

The contracts comprise underground sections for the Red Line North (RLN), Red Line South (RLS), Green Line (GRN), and major stations (MS).

The RLN project has been awarded to a consortium led by Impregilo and comprising S K Engineering and Construction Company, and Galfar Al Misnad Engineering and Contracting.

The RLS contract, worth $1.95 billion, was won by a consortium led by QDVC, a 51-per-cent Qatari Diar and 49-per-cent Vinci Construction Grands Projets subsidiary, which includes Qatar’s Al-Darwish Engineering and Korea’s GS Engineering and Contracting.

The contract for the GRN project has been awarded to a consortium led by Porr Bau and consists of Saudi Binladin Group and Hamad Bin Khalid Contracting Company.

The $1.4 billion MS package involving two stations – one at Msheireb and the other at the Education City – has been awarded to a consortium led by Samsung C&T Corporation that comprises Obrascon Huarte Lain (OHL) and Qatar Building Company.

“Qatar Rail is working hard to start construction by the year’s end, so that the first phase operations begin by 2019,” said a Qatar Rail spokesman.

The scope of work for the RLN comprises the design and construction of a 13-km twin bored tunnel, including seven underground stations, between the proposed Msheireb Underground Station and Doha Golf Course via Doha West Bay. Four tunnel boring machines will be used to bore the tunnels that will be built at an average depth of 20 m below the ground.

Similarly, the scope of work for the RLS comprises the design and construction of the underground works below central Doha, including six underground stations, between the proposed Msheireb Underground Station and Hamad International Airport and includes the main depot and maintenance facilities. This package will comprise a 13.8-km twin bored tunnel at an average depth of 25 m below ground level utilising five tunnel boring machines. The maximum depth will be 50 m below ground level.

The GRN comprises the design and construction of the underground works below central Doha and to the west of the city, between the proposed Msheireb Underground Station and through to Al Rayyan Stadium. There will be eight underground stations, in addition to a 16.6-km twin bored tunnel. The rail tunnels will be built at an average depth of 20 m below ground.

MS is a standalone package focusing on what is considered to be the two key stations for the integration of the metro project.

“The scope of work comprises the construction of two interchange stations. The excavation for Msheireb Station to approximately 42 m below ground level will be one of the deepest excavations within the project, the spokesman said.

“Although the tunnelling and the construction of the stations are being executed for the first time in Qatar, Qatar Rail has succeeded in engaging Qatari contracting companies in the consortiums that have been awarded the contracts,” the spokesman said. “The entire project features a sustainable design that consumes fewer resources, generates less waste, costs less to operate, and achieves a reduced carbon footprint.”

There are currently 20 consultancy companies working on these vital projects under the supervision of Qatar Rail.

“Qatar Rail is committed to achieving the highest international standards in creating this signature project,” the spokesman said.

The estimated $40-billion Doha Metro will be one of the most modern rail networks in the world. The metro’s four lines will connect major sites in the city, including the Education City, West Bay, Lusail, Hamad International Airport and the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC).

“The project aims to design, develop and operate an integrated and world-class rail system as part of Qatar’s development plans,” the spokesman concluded.