Source: www.middle-east-online.com
FRANKFURT – German engineering giant Siemens said Monday it had won a contract worth more than 100 million euros ($123 million) to provide a tram system in Doha ahead of the 2022 football World Cup.
“The order is worth more than 100 million euros, and the trams will start running from … 2015,” the German firm said in a statement.
“The order is part of Qatar’s preparations for the 2022 Soccer World Cup. By then, around 60 billion dollars should have been invested in expanding the country’s infrastructure,” the statement added.
The system will be installed on Qatar Foundation’s campus in Doha and serve 25 stations across the site. When completed, the Avenio trams will run on 11.5 kilometres of track without the need for any overhead contact lines.
They will be equipped with the Sitras Hybrid Energy Storage system (HES) from Siemens, with energy being supplied at the tram stops. The system will become operational in autumn 2015.
Siemens will supply 19 double-articulated trams to Qatar Foundation, each with an overall length of 27.7 metres and a width of 2.55 metres. Each Avenio tram can carry up to 239 passengers, and will be specially equipped to cope with the country’s climatic conditions.
In addition to an extra powerful air-conditioning system, special sun shades on the roof will protect the electrical equipment from radiant heat.
The low-floor design and optimal arrangement of the double-leaf doors featured in the Avenio platform allow passengers to get on and off quickly, thus enabling shorter stop times at stations.
By dispensing with the need for overhead contact lines, the system reduces electrification costs, improves energy efficiency and has a positive effect on the urban landscape.
Commenting on the new transport system Engineer Saad Al Muhannadi, Qatar Foundation’s Vice President of Capital Projects and Facilities Management, said, “This agreement provides yet more evidence that Qatar Foundation is helping to spearhead the nation’s drive towards environmental sustainability. All of our new constructions are designed with the environment in mind, and this innovative transport scheme further demonstrates this commitment. Ultimately, our aim is to make the Qatar Foundation site a car-free zone and, with the introduction of the new tram system, we are well on our way to achieving this goal.” More info
