Doha Transport plans ‘will transform country’

Ambitious initiatives by Asghal to effectively address the transport requirements of its people were presented at a session of the UITP Mena Public Transport & Large Events Summit yesterday. The steps initiated would contribute considerably to reducing accidents, traffic congestion, improve accident survival rate and effective movement of traffic along the country’s roads. The measures would also help protect the environment and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Highlighting work on the Intelligent Transport System (ITS), Imad Naseruddin said the entire project is being implemented in line with the goals and objectives of the Qatar National Vision 2030 and Qatar National Development Strategy, both of which are aimed at ensuring workable transport solutions for the country’s residents. “Both the QNV 2030 and QNDS have a common goal of transforming Qatar into an advanced country with higher standards of living for all its residents,” he said. Work on the Doha Expressway and such projects as the Metro Rail, Light Rail transit, Doha Bay crossing, water taxis, New Doha International Airport and new port in Mesaieed would go a long way in turning the country into one of the most advanced places in the whole world, said Naseruddin, who is an adviser on road operations and maintenance at Ashghal. He said, the new projects would eventually contribute to the successful hosting of the 2022 Fifa World Cup. The ITS being developed in Qatar is on the lines of those in developed countries. Traffic movement through 26 signalled intersections can be monitored by CCTV cameras, he said, adding that more such cameras are being installed at other intersections as well. Message signs, lane and speed control signs, height detection points and tunnels are the other features under development along many roads in Qatar, he said. Acting Ashghal manager of road designs management Badr al-Hamadi said the summit would help Qatar attract many international companies providing better travel and traffic solutions in coming years.