Qatar Rail expects most of the construction work at Doha Metro stations to be completed by the end of the year, which will put it on the verge of the crucial operational phase.

The observation was made by Abdulla al-Subaie, managing director and CEO of Qatar Rail on Tuesday, while also expressing pleasure at receiving a delegation from the Advisory Council yesterday.

HE the Speaker of the Advisory Council Ahmed bin Abdullah bin Zaid al-Mahmoud and a number of the council's members paid a visit to the Doha Metro project yesterday to review its progress as well as Qatar Rail’s major achievements.

The tour started with a visit to the Economic Zone station and this was followed by a journey on board the Doha Metro to Ras Bu Fontas station. Afterwards, the delegation visited the Doha Metro Depot located in the Ras Bu Fontas area and the main controls centre of the Doha Metro networks to observe the control, surveillance and central operation systems.

On his part, al-Subaie said: “We are pleased to receive the members of the Shura Council at Doha Metro stations to observe the tremendous progress the project has reached thus far. We went a long way in the implementation of the railways project as we now continue the testing of the trains.

"By the end of the year, we expect most of the construction work of the stations to be complete, which puts us on the verge of a very important phase, the operational one. This phase requires thorough preparations and extensive efforts to achieve the goal we have been working for, that is the provision of a world-class transport system for the people of Qatar.”

The Economic Zone station is located at the intersection of F-Ring Road and Al Wakrah Road and can accommodate 15,000 passengers per hour. The station will serve as the main hub of the Qatar Economic Zone in Ras Abu Fontas due to its close proximity to Hamad International Airport.

The architectural design of the Economic Zone station is characterised by a combination of Qatari traditional models and modern and contemporary architectural motifs, in addition to being safe, sustainable, practical and modern.

Passengers will enjoy the beauty of the design in terms of spacious interior, natural lighting and smooth passenger flows, which will give the user a positive and distinctive experience.