Qatar Rail’s Doha Metro project has received the Chartered Institute of Highways and Transportation (CIHT) International Award 2020, which recognises outstanding examples of highways and transportation infrastructure or services from outside the UK and Ireland.

Doha Metro won the award after being shortlisted alongside mega projects in the US, Africa, Asia the Balkans, Qatar Rail said in a statement on Saturday.

The established and long-running CIHT Awards opened their doors to international projects for the first time last year, making Doha Metro the first project in the region to win this prestigious award, the statement noted.

A panel of impartial expert judges with a diversity of experience and opinion recognised Doha Metro’s outstanding achievement by looking for excellence from the start of the project through to implementation and execution.

Judges, in particular, cited Qatar’s clearly articulated vision for an integrated transport network and Qatar Rail’s well-thought-out planning and design, effective engagement and communication with stakeholders and successful delivery on performance measures.

With regard to the project infrastructure, the judges awarded the Doha Metro for its originality and innovation, the use of environmental and sustainable practices, the demonstrable employee and user safety standards and the demonstrable benefits to the industry and society.


The judges were also impressed with the quality of execution, with the architectural design and the use of materials and technologies, the speediness of project delivery, and with the overall positive internal and external feedback the project has received.

"The Doha Metro is a state-of-the-art, best-in-class automated rail network. It forms the backbone of Qatar’s integrated public transport system, promoting usage of public transport in the country and a key ingredient in the accomplishment of Qatar National Vision 2030," the statement pointed out. "The Doha Metro is set to revolutionise the way people move around Doha and its suburbs. Sustainable design, construction and operations have been incorporated throughout the Metro network, achieving industry-leading GSAS 5-Star and LEED Gold awards.

"This achievement complements previously awarded accreditation and it is testament to Qatar Rail ongoing commitment toward providing a world-class railway system in Qatar."

Since inception, Qatar Rail has been the recipient of many awards, "celebrating its dedication to achieving the highest standards in architectural design, technology, safety, environment, and sustainability".

"This award is further affirmation from an esteemed jury of the true magnitude of its achievements and dedication to delivery at the highest international standards," Qatar Rail added.

Founded in 1930, the CIHT is a non-profit, UK-based organisation with internal affiliations. The Qatar Group, founded in January 2012, is the focus of CIHT in the Middle East Region.

CIHT is the leading voice of the highways and transportation infrastructure profession. It is the prime source of advice for UK national and local government and other strategic stakeholders when seeking technical expertise and knowledge to guide future policy and investment.

The institution is the natural home for all people working in transport infrastructure who are seeking education, professional qualifications and technical guidance.


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