The Lusail light rail transit (LRT) will be the first of the rail project planned for Qatar to be finished.

Trying to build rail projects at the same time as road projects will be a key challenge, says Ibrahim el-Sanhouri, transportation planning manager at US-based Parsons International.

The main planning issue is working out the logistics of establishing the new network without causing or encountering a breakdown in the current transport system. Edward Regan III, senior vice-president at US-based CDM Wilbur Smith Associates, says the situation is unique, especially as much of Qatar’s growth lies ahead of it. He says there is a tremendous opportunity to execute rail infrastructure better than in other countries.

“The potential is here to set the definition of world-class in a new direction,” says Regan.