‘Well-planned road networks have played key role in Qatar’s progress’

Qatar’s long-term strategic planning helped the country deal with the side effects of the siege, Doha-resident Arshad Hussain told Qatar Urdu Radio’s live show Haqeeqat yesterday. Speaking on infrastructural developments, Hussain noted that while Qatar has developed many sectors, including health, education and power, among others, the well-planned road networks have played a particularly key role in Qatar’s progress. “Road networks, airports and seaports are very important for the development of any country and Qatar has always made its strategic plans keeping that in mind,” he said.Hussain, who is a senior project manager, referred to the Orbital Highway during the show. Phase 1 of the Orbital Highway and Truck Route, a total length of 125km, extending from Hamad Port to Al Shamal Road up to Lusail and Al Khor, opened last year. “The planning of Orbital Highway started in 2012. Once fully constructed, it will serve as a vital link between the southern and northern areas of Qatar,” he said, adding that the new network would enhance the flow of traffic and considerably shorten journey times compared to the time spent to travel between the same places using existing roads.Haqeeqat is a joint venture of Gulf Times and Qatar Media Corp Urdu Radio. The show, hosted by Saif-ur-Rehman, aims to engage and interact with the large South Asian expatriate community in Qatar. Log on to Qatar Urdu Radio on Facebook and ‘@QatarUrduRadio’ on Twitter for feedback and comments about the show.