MEED reported that Qatar is preparing to tender construction work on one of the 5 rail networks it plans to build over the next 10 years.

The New Doha International Airport Steering Committee has invited contractors to pre qualify for a contract to build a train station at the USD 11 billion airport that is under construction close to Doha's existing airport.

UK based Mace International is the project manager for the scheme which is known as the Passenger Rail Station Box. The project involves building a railway station terminal for an express airport rail line that will connect to rail and metro stations in downtown Doha and other rail networks. Sources familiar with the project said that the steering committee wants to finish the station in time for the opening of the first phase II of the airport in 2011.

Consultants said that they expect the Trade & Business Ministry will invite them to submit proposals for a national railway system in 2010. Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company in partnership with Germany's Deutsche Bahn has already developed a conceptual design for a national railway system in Qatar.

The companies' multi billion dollar conceptual design has 5 components. It includes an east coast rail link between Ras Laffan and Mesaieed, a high speed link from Doha to Bahrain across the Qatar Bahrain Causeway, a freight link connecting into the planned GCC rail network, a Doha metro network and a light rail network serving residential developments.

(Sourced from MEED)