Skip to main content

Qatar to get Intelligent Transport System in time for 2022 World Cup

Qatar’s Public Works Authority (Ashghal) is in the final phase of preparing an ITS master plan, while smart transport solutions have already been integrated in the traffic system in the country, with the aim of implementing a fully integrated Intelligent Transport System (ITS) before the FIFA World Cup 2022. Plans include special lanes for buses, more advanced surveillance cameras, a dedicated radio station to raise traffic awareness and special operation rooms to deal with accidents and other emergencies.
November 9, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
Qatar’s Public Works Authority (5840 Ashghal) is in the final phase of preparing an ITS master plan, while smart transport solutions have already been integrated in the traffic system in the country, with the aim of implementing a fully integrated Intelligent Transport System (ITS) before the FIFA World Cup 2022.

Plans include special lanes for buses, more advanced surveillance cameras, a dedicated radio station to raise traffic awareness and special operation rooms to deal with accidents and other emergencies.

Football fans and local residents will be able to access real time information on the traffic situation by on an interactive map on the website of the Ministry of Interior or the organising committee.

“The latest achievement was the establishment of the traffic signal control room at Ashghal, which is linked to 28 intersections across Doha. Another 15 intersections will be added to the system in the next three months,” said Ashgal’s Emad Nasaruddin, speaking at a session focusing on Qatar’s preparations for the World Cup.

He went on to say that the control room had helped collect data about traffic accidents more quickly and identify the reasons for traffic congestion on several roads connected to the intersections. “This has helped us propose solutions to avoid future problems on such roads,” he said.

He pointed out that the ITS master plan will require regular updating to meet the changing trends in technology.  “The plan should be flexible considering the rapid changes taking place in digital technology. The ITS strategy should provide informative, intelligent, reliable and integrated solutions,” he added.

Ashghal, in collaboration with the traffic department, will establish a dynamic travel information system and a national traffic management centre in the next phases of the ITS project.

Quatar’s Ministry of Interior recently launched a pilot project to use smart solutions for monitoring vehicular traffic. The pilot project will use Masarak, a suit of smart applications developed by the 6854 Qatar Mobility Innovations Centre (QMIC) at the Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP). Masarak provides real time information about traffic flow in different areas allowing the user to plan the trip accordingly and to monitor traffic.

Related Content

  • March 17, 2015
    Abu Dhabi introduces intelligent traffic control
    In its efforts to enhance road safety and improve traffic flow, the Department of Transport (DoT) in Abu Dhabi has introduced an intelligent traffic control system at all signalised intersections of Mohammed bin Zayed City, Abu Dhabi. The project, which completed its deployment phases recently, involved installing intelligent and integrated traffic/pedestrian signals as well as a traffic video surveillance system in the 40 intersections of Mohammed bin Zayed City.
  • November 9, 2012
    US transportation 'needs political leadership'
    Long-time industry leader John Worthington reflects on where transportation in the US is heading – and where it should be going. Interview with Jason Barnes. The US’s new transportation bill reflects much of what is wrong in the sector in general and in ITS in particular, according to John Worthington. While a decision is welcome, he says, it does little more than provide certainty of funding for anything other than day-to-day operations. Worthington, former Chairman and CEO of TransCore, is back in the ITS
  • February 1, 2012
    Smart transportation system being developed in Qatar
    The QU Wireless Innovations Centre (QUWIC), and Mowasalat “Karwa”, a provider of public transportation solutions and services owned by the government of Qatar, have announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) agreement for Collaborating on Advanced Technologies for Intelligent Traffic Monitoring System (ITMS) and applications.
  • October 22, 2014
    Bespoke ITS is helping to reduced collisions on America’s rural roads
    David Crawford cherrypicks conference and award highlights Almost 30% of all US citizens live in rural areas or very small communities, and 34 of the 50 states exceed this level in their own populations, with the proportions rising as high as 85%. And although rural routes carry only 35% of all traffic, the accidents that occur on them account for some 54% of all US road traffic accident deaths.