A consortium led by Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has won a major contract to build Qatar’s first underground rail system.

Other members of the consortium include Hitachi and French defence contractor Thales. The order from Qatar Railways to build the Doha Metro is worth $3.36 billion, according to an MHI spokesman.

The project — scheduled to be completed by 2019 — includes 75 three-car trains, platform screen doors, tracks, a railway yard and on-going maintenance.

The metro system — covering 150 miles, with 106 stations — will connect the main areas of Doha, including Hamad
International Airport, the Old City and newly developing inner-city areas such as West Bay and Lusail.

The system is also expected to be a key transport link between stadiums and facilities during the 2022 World Cup, which Qatar is due to host.

The MHI spokesman added: “The city of Doha is facing serious urban congestion due to its increased population and the growing number of cars operating in the city.”