Qatar Railways Company has not yet tendered packages for the first phase of its long-distance rail project. It received prequalification documents from contractors in June and was expected to tender the first construction packages in August.

The first of four planned phases will include building 146 kilometres of railway line from the border with Saudi Arabia to Mesaieed, New Doha Port and Doha West International station, which will have a connection to the Doha Metro. The lines will carry passengers at speeds of up to 200km an hour and freight at up to 120km/hr.

Due to be completed in 2018, the project is split into three areas. Area one stretches 71km between the Saudi border and a junction west of Doha.

Area two covers 32km of line to a freight yard and a further 32km to Mesaieed.

Area three involves the construction of 23km of passenger line to Doha West International station.

Qatar has been investing heavily in transport infrastructure in preparation for the 2022 World Cup.