Projects | Doha Metro Red Line South Underground, Qatar

Change your location to view content tailored for you.

With about 100 stations and over 219 km of rail line, the Doha Metro is one of the world’s largest metro systems currently under construction.

Since 2013, global engineering and infrastructure advisory company Aurecon has been the Design Verification Engineer on the Red Line South Underground – one of the six sections that make up this mega project.

The Doha Metro Red Line South started initial passenger operation on 8 May 2019 at 13 of the 18 stations, namely Al Qassar, DECC, QIC West Bay, Corniche, Al Bidda (Interchange Station), Msheireb (Interchange Station), Al Doha Al Jadeda, Umm Ghawalina, Al Matar AL Qadeem, Oqba Ibn Nafie, Free Zone, Ras Bu Fontas and Al Wakra.

According David Moore, Aurecon’s Project Leader, close collaboration between stakeholders and accelerated turnarounds are essential to the project’s success.

He added that the Metro is also a unique development in terms of its appearance, particularly its interior. Once complete, the Metro will be one of the most visually stunning transport developments in the world, making it a tourist attraction in itself.

Location

Doha, Qatar

Client

Qatar Rail

Partners

Qatari Diar, Vinci Construction, GS Engineering and Construction, Al Darwish Engineering

Aurecon's Role

Design verification

Expertise

Building Design, Ground & Underground Engineering, Rail & Mass Transit, Tunnels

Complete

2022

Wide range of design services

Aurecon worked directly for the joint-venture handling the construction of the Red Line, RLS-JV, comprising four firms: Qatari Diar, Vinci Construction, GS Engineering and Construction, and Al Darwish Engineering. Aurecon’s engineering consultancy includes a number of elements: bored tunnels, geotechnical, structural and architectural work. The company also reviewed all MEP work, as well as Fire and Life Safety elements of the design.

The geotechnical work required special attention. All concrete elements in the construction had to conform to strict local standards, with durability requirements typically above those of other regions. For instance, Doha’s high salt levels in its air and water meant that construction materials had to be assessed for their detrimental effect.

A station card for the Red Line South in Qatar.

Coordination was vital too. With such a large-scale system being constructed simultaneously, a variety of project management companies, engineering consultants and contractors had to collaborate closely to ensure work proceeds to schedule.

As Qatar Rail was also driving consistency across the design, work had to be regularly reviewed and realigned to meet the latest requirements. To ensure it satisfied the client’s needs, Aurecon held regular workshops to discuss changes and maintain the professional integrity of the development.

Unique specification

The branding architecture on the project was also very specific and of a high standard. Architecturally, the stations reflected the heritage of the country, with a ‘vaulted spaces’ design inspired by traditional Bedouin tents, giving the rail network its striking finished appearance,

As David explains, every metro station around the world has a familiar aesthetic, based primarily on function. With the Doha Metro, the government in Qatar created not only a functional transport network, but something truly unique. Not only is the Metro an advanced rail metro system, it is the most luxurious network ever seen, with beautifully decorated walls, vaulted ceilings and is exquisitely lit. Travelling on the Doha Metro will be an experience in itself.

The Red Line South Underground section that Aurecon worked on covers 16 km of twin-bored tunnels, with multiple cross passages, five underground stations, and the same number of switchboxes and emergency exit shafts. It will link with other lines in the network, including the Red Line North, Green Line and Gold Line.

The Doha Metro will be a vital transportation network when Qatar welcomes the world’s football fans for the World Cup 2022. It will link the city’s major hubs as well as providing a fast link to the airport. Its creation will also facilitate the development of several new hubs or districts planned for the city.