Source: http://www.gulf-times.com
The Qatar Rail Development Programme will offer time-saving and environment-friendly transportation solutions, Qatar Rail Company (Qatar Rail) CEO Saad Ahmed al-Muhannadi has said.
For instance, the time taken to travel from Msheireb to Al Rayyan Stadium will be 23.5 minutes by the Metro as compared to around 39 minutes by car, he explained. Also, the Metro will help save around 2.8kg of carbon dioxide emission (for the same distance) – enough energy to light a lamp for 850 hours.
Commuting from Msheireb to Qatar University takes 28 minutes by car. By the Metro, it will take 18 minutes and also help save 1.9kg of carbon dioxide, enough to operate a television set for 200 hours in eight days. Similarly, a trip from Msheireb to Education City takes 28 minutes by car and causes the emission of 1.8kg of carbon dioxide. The same distance can be covered in 16 minutes by the Metro, it was pointed out.
Besides boosting transportation, the Qatar Rail network can generate over $38bn in potential revenue, according to forecasts. The projects are expected to generate revenue through three main modes: ticket sales, which will be sold at reasonable rates; rent and investment in real estate for retail outlets; and advertising, thereby creating a variety of jobs for the Qatari private sector.
“Whether through construction, design or other complementary and accompanying works, Qatar Rail has provided the private sector with a great deal of business and labour opportunities through its developments,” said Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Turki al-Subaie, managing director of Qatar Rail. More info