HE Minister of Transport Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti emphasized that Qatar National Day is an occasion that fills all the people of Qatar with pride and a sense of belonging to this generous homeland, and the rich history laid down by the ancestors on this blessed land, particularly the founder Sheikh Jassim bin Mohammed bin Thani who played a pivotal role in charting the path of development, growth, and prosperity for the state. Inspired by him, the wise leadership carried the torch to build a modern state that looks forward to the future while preserving its heritage and past. In a statement to Qatar News Agency on the occasion of Qatar National Day, HE the Minister of Transport extended the sincerest congratulations and greetings to HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani. He clarified that this precious occasion is an opportunity to renew the determination to continue building on previous achievements, exerting all efforts for the elevation of the nation, supporting the journey of comprehensive development and renaissance, and achieving further progress, growth, and prosperity for the Qatari people. Regarding the achievements of the Ministry of Transport, HE the Minister affirmed that the accomplishments of the transportation sector in all its activities are in line with the wise leadership's visions. This includes the development of services for citizens, residents, and visitors, enhancing the quality of life by providing multimodal, interconnected, and environmentally friendly public transportation systems. The efforts also support the transition to clean energy with the goal of reducing the country's carbon footprint towards carbon neutrality. Furthermore, there is an emphasis on promoting modern, smart transportation methods, optimizing energy resources, and creating advanced and sustainable infrastructure, particularly the current electric and smart transportation system. These achievements, especially the smart transportation system, contribute to encouraging the private sector to invest in the transportation sector. His Excellency highlighted that the transportation sector is progressing rapidly in all areas, affirming that the ministry will continue to develop plans and programs to achieve sustainability in this vital sector to contribute to a prosperous future for the country's economy and future generations. On the legislative and regulatory level, HE the Minister mentioned that the Ministry of Transport is actively working to enhance the legislation related to the transportation sector in the country, including issuing laws and ministerial decisions, as well as signing agreements and memoranda of understanding with several countries in the field of transportation and transit. In the field of land transport, HE the Minister of Transport explained that the ministry, in line with its strategy for a comprehensive shift to clean energy, has launched a gradual comprehensive transition strategy for the electric bus system in public transportation to operate on 100 percent clean energy by 2030. Significant progress has been made in implementing this strategy, with the electric buses' operational percentage in the public transportation fleet reaching 70 percent during 2023. Qatar is among the top countries in the region achieving this percentage in the emissions-free public transportation sector. Additionally, integrated infrastructure projects have been implemented, providing multiple benefits, including energy and fuel consumption savings, reducing harmful emissions and the country's carbon footprint, thus improving the quality of life. He further noted that the Ministry of Transport, in collaboration with the Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (KAHRAMAA), has developed modern and sustainable infrastructure supporting electric vehicles, including the deployment of fast electric charging equipment across various locations in the country. Nine types of sites have been identified, spanning corporate, shopping, residential, traffic points, worship places, public services, entertainment, and sports facilities. Around 200 charging station locations have been designated throughout Qatar, distributing approximately 600 charging units to be implemented gradually by 2025. During 2022, over 130 electric chargers were installed and operational, and in 2023, another 100 chargers were installed. The ministry is working on installing and operating 150 charging units in 2024. Recognizing the pioneering role that electric and self-driving cars will play in the near future, the ministry is studying the standards, specifications, and technical measures for electric vehicles in collaboration with relevant authorities. The aim is to establish and approve the minimum technical specifications and safety standards for this type of vehicle. Additionally, a specialized center is being established to examine and test their compliance, and issue accreditation certificates. In support of innovation and keeping pace with global developments in the transportation sector, the Ministry of Transport launched the Autonomous Vehicles Strategy in 2023, including a five-year plan to regulate the terms and conditions of using these vehicles within Qatar, aiming to provide smart and environmentally friendly transportation systems. (MORE)

Source: Qatar News Agency