Alstom has presented the first of 28 trams that it is supplying to Qatar.

QATAR: Alstom has presented the first Citadis for the Lusail Tram project to officials from Qatar Rail, following the completion of factory acceptance tests in France.

Alstom is supplying 28 trams for the Lusail network. Branded Al Mehmel, the vehicles’ design is inspired by a type of traditional dhow used for pearl fishing. The 32 m long 100% low-floor trams will use the APS ground-level power supply system.

The 18 km first phase of the network is scheduled to open in January 2019, and will have four lines serving 25 stops. Completion of the entire 38·5 km network with 32 stops is planned for 2020. The line is being built by a consortium led by Alstom and the QDVC joint venture of Qatari Diar (51%) and Vinci Construction Grands Projets (49%). A joint venture of Hill International, Italferr and ASTAD Project Management is providing project management.

Services are to be operated by the RKH Qitarat joint venture between a consortium of RATP Dev and Keolis (49%) and local construction, property and trading business Hamad Group (51%).