"DEUTSCHE Bahn" (DB) became the exclusive partner of Qatar Railways Company (RAIL) recently in the establishment of a rail-based transport system in the emirate after DB chief executive Ruediger Grube has signed an agreement to set up the Qatar Railways Development Company (QRDC) in the capital, Doha .
DB International will have a 49 per cent stake in the new company, while the remaining 51 per cent interest will be held by state-owned Qatari Diar, a statement issued by DB Schenker said.
As the planning and management company for the project, QRDC will be responsible for setting up a railway organisation and steering all planning and construction activities for the establishment of a modern metro and railway system.
The project envisages a metro system for Doha , as well as long-distance and freight lines. The investment amounts to EUR17 billion (US$25.46 billion). The cooperation will also include the provision of vocational training in the railway sector for young Qataris.
"We are proud and delighted that DB International has been chosen by the Qatari government as the partner for this ambitious infrastructure project," said Dr Grube. The metro system planned for Doha will have four lines, 98 stations and an overall length of 300 kilometres.
The plans also include a 180-kilometre long high-speed line to Bahrain , which is designed for a top speed of 350 kph. A 100-kph line to Saudi Arabia will be suitable for trains running at speeds of 200 kph.
A total line network of 325 kilometres is planned for freight, most of which is expected to also be used for passenger service. QRDC has a budget of EUR700 million.
Under the deal, DB International will supply two of the four managing directors, including the chief executive officer (CEO) for the first four years. QRDC will be responsible for implementation of the entire project.
Source : HKSG, 25.11.09.
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