Qatar Rail's projects such as the Lusail Light Rail Transit (LLRT) network and the Long Distance Passenger and Freight Rail transportation system will boost the use of public transport services, the minister said.
He was speaking on the occasion of marking the completion of the tunnel digging works for the Doha Metro Project's first phase on the south side of the Red Line in Hamad International Airport (HIA) Station.
The event was attended by HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al-Thani.
Al-Sulaiti said thanks to the wise leadership of HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and follow-up and supervision of HE the Prime Minister, transport and communications projects were getting the necessary support.
The transport sector has become an important indicator to measure a nation's welfare, the minister said.
The Ministry of Transport and Communications has developed policies and strategies that have contributed to the development of infrastructure of the transport sector and promote the use of the latest technology in projects of this sector as well as facilitate cargo and passenger traffic, HE al-Sulaiti said, adding that these efforts would increase Qatar's gross domestic product (GDP).
Qatar Rail was able to achieve several milestones including the completion of tunneling works for the 111km first phase of the Doha Metro Project, he said, noting that tunneling works started in July 2014 and were completed three months ahead of schedule.
HE Al-Sulaiti stressed that Qatar Rail has overcome all obstacles over the drilling work as 50% of the Doha Metro Project has been completed.
Today's achievement is another step towards accomplishing the project according to the timeline and budget and taking into account the highest quality standards, the latest eco-friendly technology and the highest international standards, the minister said.
The Doha Metro Project will contribute to the national development and help achieve the Qatar National Vision (QNV) 2030, the minister said.
Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Turki al-Subaie, managing director and chairman Qatar Rail said that the completion of the drilling works was an important milestone in its progress.
He said all the necessary resources were harnessed to implement the project, adding that adequate capabilities were employed to manage the challenges .
Al-Subaie thanked all those who have contributed to this achievement, praising the world-class quality of drilling work.
Qatar Rail will continue the march with dedication and firm commitment in order to achieve the vision of providing an integrated world-class railway services, he said.
Yesterday's ceremony programme included a presentation about the Doha Metro as well as a video on the 21 tunnel boring machines (TBMs) due to which Qatar Rail was officially recognised by the Guinness World Records for the largest number of tunnel boring machines operating simultaneously in a single Project, followed by the recent drilling by TBM three months ahead of schedule.
Seventy percent of the total contracts were awarded to local companies in support of Qatar's economy.
With this, 50% of the Doha Metro Project has been completed.
