Qatar Awards Tram Contract To Siemens

Siemens has won a multi-million dollar contract to build a tram system within the campus of the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development in Doha, the company said.

The tram system, expected to be operational by the autumn of 2015, will have 25 stations along the 11.5 kilometer-route within Qatar Foundation, Siemens said in a statement.

As per the agreement, Siemens will supply Qatar Foundation with 19 three-unit Avenio trams, signaling and communication technology, depot equipment, and equip four stations with platform screen doors.

The Avenio trams will operate without overhead contact lines and highly energy efficient, the statement said. The trams will also be equipped with powerful air conditioning systems and special sun protectors on the roof that will protect the electrical equipment from radiant heat.

“Ultimately, our aim is to make the Qatar Foundation site a car-free zone and, with the introduction of the new tram system, we are well on our way to achieving this goal,” said Saad Al Muhannadi, vice president of Capital Projects and Facilities Management at Qatar Foundation.

Hans-Jörg Grundmann, CEO of Siemens Rail Systems said: “Siemens is setting new standards in tram and light rail technology with its Avenio platform.

“The low-floor technology and ergonomic design provide a high level of passenger comfort. Its energy storage system for optimising the energy balance and its operation without overhead contact lines are further aspects that go toward making the Avenio a model system for sustainable, rail-based mass transit as well as the most modern tram in the world.”