Alstom and Qatar Rail reveal Lusail tram design

Alstom and Qatar Rail have unveiled the design of the new Citadis Lusail tram which will operate on the city’s 4-line tramway network.

According to Alstom, Qatar’s new tram was inspired by the Dhows, traditional boats of the area and the blue exterior has been designed to reflect the sea. The interior echoes the architecture of the area, incorporating touches of yellow that recall the Lusail flower.

Commenting on the unveiling, Eng. Abdulla Al Subaie, Qatar Rail’s Managing Director said: “Across our projects, our build and design stages have been guided by the powerful coming together of tradition with modernity. Deeply entrenched in Qatari culture and heritage, the Lusail tram designs celebrate the convergence of our country’s history with ground-breaking technologies and cutting-edge solutions. We are creating a seamless consumer journey and experience built around the local community’s needs and values.”

“There are currently more than 1,800 Alstom light rail vehicles in operation throughout the world. Each Citadis has its own specific design and is customized to reflect its city’s image and culture. We are very happy to have partnered with Qatar Railways to come up with a unique design that will certainly please the passengers and residents of Lusail” said Gian Luca Erbacci, Senior Vice President for Alstom Middle East & Africa.

Lusail tram design inspired by Dhows

In June 2014, Qatar Railways awarded a Alstom led consortium an integrated tramway system contract for the engineering, procurement, construction, testing and commissioning of 4 tram lines, totalling 38 kilometres (of which 10 kilometres underground) with 30 stations. The contract also includes the supply of 28 Citadis trams, power supply, signalling and track works.

The Citadis tram for the city of Lusail consists of five cars in a single unit at a length of 33 metres. Each vehicle can accommodate 207 passengers in “common” and “family” classes. It can be coupled to double its capacity. The tram features the latest technologies such as the permanent magnet motors which reduces energy consumption. The Lusail tramway will be powered via APS Ground Power Supply for catenary-free operation.

The first five Citadis trams will be manufactured at Alstom’s La Rochelle plant in France with the remaining built in Barcelona, Spain.