Transport Minister: huge transport sector program developed to serve World Cup

 

 

HE the Minister of Transport Jassim Seif Ahmed al-Sulaiti underlined that his ministry had developed a huge and resilient programme for the transport sector to keep pace with all future variables and requirements, most importantly the obligations of hosting the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.Speaking to QNA, HE the Minister of Transport said that hosting the World Cup has contributed significantly to accelerating the pace of sustainable development processes taking place the country, in line with achieving the pillars of Qatar National Vision 2030."From the moment Qatar was declared winner to host the World Cup, all efforts were directed to provide a honourable global model in all aspects that reflects the great potential of the country in hosting major sporting events, while at the same time leaving a real legacy for future generations," HE al-Sulaiti said.He explained that the ministry's programme for the transport sector included the development of preliminary designs for developing roads and maintaining their sustainability, in addition to supervising the development of infrastructure for the transport sector and its facilities such as ports and airports.He added that the ministry has implemented an integrated programme to develop the public bus infrastructure, which included the inauguration of eight bus stations and four depots, in addition to bus parking lots in more than 1,700 locations, and four 'Park & Ride' parking lots.The minister underlined that the Public Bus Infrastructure Programme is one of the most environmentally friendly programmes in the world.It lays the foundations for a complete transformation to a transportation system powered by clean, environmentally friendly electric energy.The programme also gains special importance as it coincides with the hosting of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.He noted that the works carried out by the Ministry of Transport led to the establishment of an integrated and sustainable transport network in the country, to form an interconnected transport unit that includes public transit bus systems, as well as Doha Metro and Lusail Trams network, supported by advanced infrastructure and using the latest international technology.He added that this huge programme has started to bear fruit and has turned into a tangible reality that will put the country in advanced ranks globally in terms of the transport sector and the services provided to citizens, residents and visitors; thus, supporting the requirements of sustainable development in the country.He pointed to the inauguration of 'Sila Operation Center' which aims at connecting public transport in Qatar within an integrated network, offering the public with the smartest transport options.On maritime transport, HE al-Sulaiti explained that the comprehensive redevelopment carried out by the ministry for Doha Port will enhance the country's leadership in the cruise ship sector in accordance with the highest international standards, thus consolidating the country's position in tourism.The development of Doha Port will contribute to absorbing the expected growth in the number of cruises during the World Cup.Speaking about the civil aviation sector and its preparations to host the global tournament, he pointed to many important developments, such as increase in the number of air routes in the airspace of Qatar and modernising the devices and systems used in air navigation.He also noted the adoption of the latest weather forecasting and monitoring systems.In addition, many meteorological centres in the State had been developed to ensure modern and accurate services.The minister referred to the opening of Mukaynis Meteorological Center which includes the first weather radar of its kind in the country.The center provides services to all major events, most importantly the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.In a related context, the minister said that the expansion plan of Hamad International Airport will strengthen its position as a global travel hub, providing a unique experience for all visitors, in addition to accommodating the growing destinations network of the national carrier Qatar Airways, in order to meet the requirements of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.In terms of co-ordinating efforts for the hosting of the World Cup, the minister noted that the ministry, in co-ordination with the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, developed a plan to implement transport demand management, and to test the effectiveness of this plan, which seeks to reduce road traffic that will be associated with the World Cup events as well as for the post-tournament period.One of the most important objectives of the World Cup plan is to avoid expensive infrastructure for a brief time — during the tournament period, reduce the need for private transport, reduce traffic congestion and delays, improve the effectiveness of existing infrastructure and quality of services, and enhance the efficiency of the public transport system, he noted, adding that the plan also aims to encourage the use of safe and environmentally friendly public transport and encourage more sustainable trip patterns using different public transport as well as walking and cycling.HE the Minister also added that joint teams have also been activated with the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy to ensure the effectiveness and success of transport plans during the World Cup, and to ensure the applicability of all other transport systems, in an integrated manner in terms of co-ordination and identification of all roles and responsibilities of strategic partners such as the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, the Public Works Authority (Ashghal), the Ministry of Interior, Mowasalat (Karwa), and Qatar Rail.