Siemens has been awarded a 100 million euro contract to build a tram system in Qatar’s capital city Doha.
The company will be responsible for the signal and communication technology across the 11.5 km track, the rail electrification system, equipping a depot and delivering 19 trams.
The project is due to be completed by autumn 2015 in preparation for the 2022 World Cup.
Around $60 billion will have been invested in expanding the country’s infrastructure by the start of the World Cup in 10 years time.
Doha’s new tram services will run without overhead contact lines (OCL), stopping at 25 stations around the city.
Each of the 19 trams will be equipped with an energy storage system which will be recharged at the stations. It will also be possible to reuse up to 30 per cent of energy through recovering braking energy.
The cars will also be adapted to cope with the extreme climatic conditions in the region. A powerful air conditioning system and special insulation on the roof will provide protection from the sun and the high temperatures – which averaged 40 degrees Celsius throughout July.
