Qatar Railways Company (Qatar Rail) has issued a tender to manage the first phase of a long-distance passenger and freight railway.

The winning bidder will be responsible for project and programme management, design management and construction services management.

The project will comprise five main lines. A freight line from Mesaieed Port to Ras Laffan, a mixed passenger and freight line from Doha to Dukhan, a mixed passenger and freight line from Doha to Al Shamal, a mixed passenger and freight line from Doha to Saudi Arabia, and a high-speed passenger line from Doha to Bahrain.

The project will be implemented over four phases. The first phase includes building about 143 km of railway track with a station, three freight yards, 59 bridges and 36 culverts. Work is expected to start this year with completion of the final phase scheduled for 2030.

Meanwhile, Qatar Rail showcased architectural opportunities for local suppliers to become involved with the Doha Metro station works during an awareness day recently held at Doha’s La Cigale Hotel. Bringing together 180 current and potential partners and suppliers, the conference, titled “Doha Metro Architectural Finishes”, featured discussions and presentations by Qatar Rail’s procurement and architecture departments.