The line will be part of Qatar’s national rail system which is currently being developed in consultation with Germany's Deutsche Bahn.

The crossing was originally designed to accommodate a dual carriageway.

The construction contract for the causeway was awarded in May to a consortium led by Qatari Diar and France's Vinci Construction Grand Projets. The group also includes Germany's Hochtief, Athens-based Consolidated Contractors Company, Belgium's Dredging International and the local Middle East Dredging Company.

Denmark's Cowi is working as the design consultant on behalf of the consortium.

The US' KBR with UK-based Halcrow has been selected as the preferred bidder to provide programme management services (MEED 10:10:08).

Other elements of Qatar's national rail scheme include an east coast rail link for passengers and freight between Ras Laffan and Mesaieed via Doha; a high-speed link from New Doha International Airport through Doha city centre and on to the causeway; a freight link connected to the planned GCC rail network; a Doha metro network; and a light rail system serving new developments to the north of Doha, such as Lusail, Education City and West Bay.