Welcome to NOC and Permitting Services of Qatar Rail. Here you will find information on permit requirements, processes and timelines, manuals, documents for third party activities (initiation-, design- and construction- and close-out stage).

One of the primary responsibilities of Qatar Rail Permitting is control & enforcement of third party developments (building & infrastructure & utilities) within the Rail-Protection-Zone by issuing Non-Objection Certificates throughout the planning, design, construction and hand-over/operational phases. Additional administrative control mechanisms like Permit to Work are mandatory for the operational railways.

This proceedings are pursuant to Law 10 of 2014 (refer also to MME Directive, letter 75178/2017 dated 22 March 2017 and Council of Ministers Memo NO. 6 of 2018 and MME Administrative Circular No. 8 of 2017).

The Rail-Protection-Zone for the railways is equivalent to the Public Right-of-Way, the National Utility Corridor, QP Corridors and any wayleaves provided by MME.

Appropriate permits for all activities/works within the Rail-Protection-Zone (RPZ) are required for any new (intended) design, construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, movement to another site, removal or demolition of any development and infrastructure scheme. The NOC process in conjunction with the Qatar Rail requirements for design & construction addresses the interface(s) and any validation, protection & monitoring necessity.

It is possible to manually apply via letter; however it is advised to use the Ashghal online application system QDRS/QPRO2 for intended works within the Right-of-Way and the MME Building Permit System for intended works within land parcels. Both, building developments and infrastructure/utility projects, have to be re-validated every 6 months (infrastructure) and 1 year (developments). Please note that also temporary traffic management schemes require Qatar Rails NOC since especially metro stations with their multiple access points; pedestrian movements, taxi & buss arrivals and departures are highly susceptible to disruption by any outside factor.

The NOC receipt from Qatar Rail is generally followed by obtaining a QR Permit to Work (PTW) just prior to the works commencement together with site visits and inspections carried out by Qatar Rail and/or the Rail Operator/Service Provider.

Separate additional permits & requirements are required for intended works near operational railway/metro lines.

Separate permits & requirements are required for drilling & boring & piling & bolting & anchoring & diaphragm wall installations & blasting works* (and related works).

Concept

No entity or person shall commence the design, construction, repair, maintenance or removal of any intended third party asset under/above/near a railway without obtaining written approval from Qatar Rail who owns, operates and controls of the railway within the Rail-Protection-Zone.

Every owner of a third party asset to be installed or already installed under a railway shall at all times maintain the asset in good order and condition so that:

• - The future constructability / feasibility of a railway is not adversely affected.
• - Safety of railway operations is not threatened in any manner.
• - The safety of the staff and public including the lives, well-being and health of people is safeguarded.
• - The environment is protected.

Please familiarize yourself with our requirements and policy.

Some important requirements (also refer to the Qatar Rail documents, guidelines and conditions):

1. Pre-Submission Meeting

   Before the actual submission of the application the applicant shall conduct initial review- and feedback meetings or workshops with Qatar Rail. Such meetings should be scheduled with sufficient time prior to the formal submission and construction start date. Once the interfaces/conflicts are fully coordinated and agreed the formal submission (package) can be processed. Splitting the submission in multiple logic and manageable parts is advised for faster review

2. Submission

   Drawings shall show and reflect the all relevant railway elements. For bigger schemes submissions shall be packaged and submitted following consultation, coordination, and agreement with Qatar Rail and the QR representatives. Submissions and additional or revised information which is issued in multiple iterations via different channels and are not clearly addressed to Qatar Rail GIP (Governmental Interfaces & Permits) will be rejected. Final submissions to be complete, technically conclusive, and consistent with signatures and stamps. All design and construction works to be strictly in accordance with the technical specifications and safety measures required by (QCS2014) and All Qatar Rail Guidance manuals.

3. Responsibility

   It remains the full responsibility of the applicant to ensure and demonstrate that there is no adverse impact on the Metro & Long Distance & Lusail LRT (trams) network short, medium and long term. Any concerns have to be raised to Qatar Rail and fully coordinated. The applicant remains fully liable for any of the proposed work & scope as per the application. Any subletting and subcontracting does not exempt the applicant from this responsibility.

4. Updated Information

   It is the applicant's responsibility to request the latest railway information in order to identify any potential interface, clash or any other design or construction relevant issue.

5. Coordination

   Fully liaise, cooperate, coordinate and interface with Qatar Rail, our D&B contractor(s) and the Rail Operator & Service Provider RKH Qitarat prior and during works commencement. The applicant shall carry out, in coordination with above mentioned parties, impact & structural analysis/assessment, Finite Element Modeling (FEM) to estimate potential ground movements and assess the stress redistribution from TBM tunneling operations (rail), settlements, etc.

6. Method / Risk

   The designer & contractor is required to show the railway interface, risks and measures associated on the drawings. The contractor is required to provide method statement and site specific risk assessment reflecting and addressing the rail interface. The contractor shall carry out their scope and works at interface locations with caution and control measures approved by Qatar Rail. This includes physical on-site marking and segregation / protection of rail assets and regular briefings for all involved staff, workers and operators.

7. Program of Works

   The Contractor shall coordinate the construction program with Qatar Rail and/or the rail D&B Contractor and/or Rail Operator in order to identify timing interfaces (i.e. at crossings, overlapping work zones and where works are likely to be carried out at the same location at the same time) to avoid conflicts and include the findings in their program of works (schedule) when preparing the Baseline Schedule. This program of works shall be updated and mitigated jointly with Qatar Rail prior and during to your works commencement. In the event of the schemes taking place at the same time a coordinated/mitigated program of works shall be provided prior commencement.

8. No works shall commence on site before formal approval from Qatar Rail is obtained. Examples of these works but not limited to :
   • • Any site mobilizations works
   • • Excavation , shoring and anchoring works
   • • Utility works
   • • Dewatering works
   • • New construction works
   • • Demolishing works
   • • Drilling Geotechnical investigation/ boreholes / wells
   • • Drilling for earthing rods ( earth boring)
   • • Planting trees
   • • Installation or replacement of any utilities, drainage, soakaways,tanks, etc.
   • • Underground passageway
   • • Movement or operation of cranes, hoists and any other machinery.
   • • Erection of scaffolding and other temporary structure
   • No anchors, soil nailing or any structural elements leave the existing parcel boundaries.
   • Any drilling activities within the Underground Metro/ station critical Zone is NOT permitted. Such actions include, for example, soak away, earthing pits / rods, soil investigation, dewatering well, piles, shoring) and others
   • Traffic & Pedestrian Management

     The contractor is required (must) to provide an approved Traffic Diversion Plan for any temporary traffic diversion scheme (TDP) and temporary traffic management in line with the latest Work Zone Traffic Management Guidance WZTMG (by Ashghal). The applicant is required to comply with the QDRS and QPRO2 requirement within the Right-of-Way and the NOC requirement within the Rail Protection Zone.

   • The developer/ designer shall ensure and implement active measures for any proposed activities on this parcel that all access/egress to the Metro station is safeguarded and protected including pedestrian traffic is unrestricted during railway construction and rail operation:
     • • All pedestrian routes to and from the station up to 400m shall be maintained and kept clear at all times.
     • • No illegal car parking on footpaths.
     • • No unapproved obstructions within the Ashghal RoW.
     • • All TTM/ TDPs are to be approved on the basis that all access is maintained at all time.
     • • The term ‘access for all’ is to be adhered to – drop kerbs, correct footpath widths to be maintained.
     • • All TTM/ TDPs are to be coordinated on the basis that all access is maintained at all time.
     • • Refer to QHDM and comply with all requirements to protect the pedestrian path and Metro connectivity
   • Emergency Access& Egress (Fire & Life Safety)

     Any Qatar Rail access related to health & safety (ambulance, Civil Defense) shall be kept clear / cannot not be blocked at all times and no changes to this access road can be made without Qatar Rail approval. Amendments or changes to such emergency access routes require the prior agreement about alternate routes. This is applicable for temporary and permanent road arrangements.

   • Urban Integration & Station Area Planning & Transit Orientated Developments TODs and Park & Ride Facilities (Bus Stops)
     • • Comply with Urban/Utility Integration Plans & Drawings UIPs and Station Area Plans (SAPs).
     • • Comply with Transit Oriented Development Planning TOD (building developments).
     • • Comply with Park & Ride Facility Planning

   • Integration & Connectivity

     The designer/contractor shall ensure and demonstrate full connectivity with the Qatar Rail stations

   • Third Party Hazards & Analysis

     The applicant shall together with Qatar Rail identify hazards, risks (i.e. to the road traffic) and assess and develop joint mitigation measures to be implemented.

   • Alterations & Changes

     There are to be no alterations from the reviewed application, design (drawings), method of work and coordinated agreements. This consent/approval is invalid if the proposed work or part of it is getting carried out by any other authority / designer / contractor than the authority / designer / contractor as mentioned in the application. If there are any changes, Qatar Rail and its contractor must be notified immediately and a new application must be submitted. Construction must start within 6 month from the date the QR design NOC was provided; otherwise a new application (DR, design re-validation) has to be done.

   • As-Build Records

     Qatar Rail requires ‘As Built’ AutoCAD record drawings for your project including depth, location and coordinates QND(95) in PDF- and AutoCAD format. Any associated records related to HSEQ shall be provided on request. Discrepancies between the Qatar Rail interface drawing(s) and associated documents approved by Qatar Rail and the provided ‘As Build’ records, identified at any time, will result in the applicant’s client to carry any costs which may arise from rectifying such differences in order to allow the railway being constructed and operated.

   • Inclusion of known Interface with Qatar Rail schemes

     Any future railway/metro works which are required to be carried out in relation to the applicants works due to interface with the railway alignment (including all structures, technical/utility pop-ups, pedestrian access) and associated assets are considered as ‘approved in principle’, since already identified and known at the time of this review process and in such case where the need for the anticipated work/development/requirements was foreseen in time. This includes:

     • • Construction of the railway, related structures, utility works, utility connections, access, land requirements.
     • • Diversion, relocation, protection, shifting of or modifications to or dismantling of the utility service (i.e. crossing), either temporary or permanent, as required for the proper construction and/or functioning of the Railway/Metro/Trams.
     • • The rail interface including all related information and data shall be included in all of your drawings, programs, tenders and relevant documents (i.e. as-built, etc.). Sufficient allowances shall be included to accommodate for design & construction coordination, monetary and program.
   • Utility Crossing Guidance

     Comply with the latest approved manuals from Qatar Rail. The “Third Party Utility Crossing Guidance” document and guideline for Third Party Utility Interfaces with Metro, Long Distance and Light Rail shall be adhered to including any associated documents.

     • • You are required to install suitable protection for your utility scheme over the entire length of the Critical Zone + 5 meter. The protection measure shall be continuous across the rail corridor, but at least extend across the Critical Zone of the railway.
     • • Installation of spares shall be considered. This is to highlight that future works and access within the Critical Railway Zone of the Railway will be highly restricted due to operational and safety concerns.
     • • Underground and above ground utility apparatus such as poles, manholes, chambers, pull-boxes, etc. is not permitted within the Critical Zone and any fenced off railway zone.
     • • For light rail (i.e. Lusail Tram) the above is applicable and to be read in conjunction with the relevant QR guidelines.
   • Verification prior Construction Start

     The designer / contractor is required to verify with Qatar Rail the location and design of the proposed works in relation to the railway alignment and structures (underground & at-grade & elevated) prior commencement of their works. The Qatar Rail or QR representative shall be invited to site before construction / implementation of the respective protection to assure compliance with Qatar Rail requirements.

   • Policy Plan

     Railway corridor as per approved Rail Protection Zone (RPZ) within the CGIS policy plan. Comply with MMUP Policy Plan.

   • Control & Monitoring (Protection of Railway Assets)

     The applicant shall ensure that robust control & monitoring schemes are implemented to control and monitor the third party works and their effect on the railway asset (track, tunnel, station, viaduct, etc.). The monitoring scheme (track, structural, etc.) shall be reviewed and approved by Qatar Rail. Such measures and procedures have to cover operations of instrumentation information, installation of instruments, measurement methods, manual and automated collection of monitoring data, automated data streaming, data management, the use of monitoring database and related system components, as well as the contingency action plan when monitoring trigger values are exceeded. Proper analysis to be included to adequately demonstrate that there is no influence on existing Metro structures (check on potential changes of stresses and deformations). The Developer is also responsible for all structural health monitoring if necessary to verify the response of the existing Qatar Rail Metro structural assets and operations during their works. In such case Structural monitoring system to be submitted to QR for approval.

   • Revoking / Cancellation of NOC

     A violation of any of the conditions prescribed in the provided NOC will render the Qatar Rail NOC and permit void and withdrawn, with immediate effect.

   • Compliance Certification & Liability Letter

     The applicant is required to provide compliance certification with the conditions stipulated within the NOC document.

   • Non-Compliance

     Non-compliance with Qatar Rail conditions will result in the applicant / company being notified of the non-compliance.

   • Representatives from Qatar Rail, PMC, Rail Joint Ventures (Contractors), Rail Operator or any other Qatar Rail authorized person has the right to access the land any time for the purpose of site visit, inspection and control in order to ensure that compliance with Qatar Rail requirements is adhered to and the third party works have no impact on the Rail assets and/or projects.

The overview plans provide a high-level understanding of the Doha Metro, Lusail Tram and Long Distance Rail network. The different schemes are divided into separate phases and work lots.

Phase 1 of the Doha Metro tunneling works has been completed and station work is currently in the final stage.

The introduction of railways in the State of Qatar means that it is necessary to define zones for the protection of this railway network. To ensure the protection of railways, “Railway Safeguarding” has been introduced. Moreover, Railway Protection Zones have been established, which are defined areas around railway infrastructure, where activities which may affect the railway have to follow an approval process and need to be closely monitored and controlled.

The aim is to ensure that infrastructure schemes and developments along the railway corridor do not cause any damage to the railway assets and adversely affect the ability to build, extend or operate the railways. And according to Law No. 10 of 2014 all rail activities, including activities in the Railway Protection Zones, are exempt from the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Municipality and Environment.

The MME Policy Plan includes the railway corridors (rail protection zones).

Administrative Circular No 8 of 2017 - On The Awareness Of The Tunnel Structure For Doha Metro And The Need To Comply With The Requirements under Law 10 of 2014, any person intending to carry out activities in the (Railway-) Protection Zone shall obtain prior permission from Qatar Railways Company before commencement of work on site.

When undertaking a development within the Rail Protection Zone, the applicant should use these guidelines to make sure the intended development proposal complies with the railway requirements.

When undertaking a development within the Rail Protection Zone, the applicant should use these guidelines to make sure the intended development proposal complies with the railway requirements.

Qatar Rail sets out guidelines to ensure that the railway infrastructure within the city’s urban development is protected and third party installations are planned and delivered in a coordinated, efficient and technically sustainable manner.

Safety is of paramount importance to us; the safety of passengers and other members of the public using the railway infrastructure, as well as the safety of Qatar Rail employees and the safety of third parties.

The Qatar Rail Permit to Work for third parties applies to all projects, either construction or design & construction, and shall be provided prior to the commencement of the work on site. The objective, following all other approvals like IFADA, DD1, DD2, QDRS, QPRO2, etc., is to identify and assess the final work activity or the work package together with the potential impact on the railway, including rail stations and other related facilities. This process includes coordination with Qatar Rail, our consultants, contractors, operators and service providers:

1. All third party construction sites are required to produce a fully completed “Qatar Rail Permit to Work” prior to commencing with the intended works.

2. The QR Permit to Work shall contain all supporting information packaged together with stamp & signature.

Introduction

One of Qatar Rail’s requirement is to receive an independent verification and validation document from one of category A consultants (local and international), who attended Railway Protection Zone (RPZ) training program and received Qatar Rail’s consent to become IVV (Independent Verification and Validation) Consultant for RPZ works by third party. It is the responsibility of third-party to arrange for IVV Consultant confirmation document. Qatar Rail will advise the third party, when the proposed development and work within RPZ require IVV Consultant’s confirmation document (case by case):

• Planning stage

• Construction stage

• Operational stage

Independent Verification and Validation Scope and Requirement – Railway Protection Zone

During No Objection Certificate (NOC) and Permit To Work (PTW) life cycle / process, Qatar Rail may require third party to provide independent verification and validation document from one of IVV Consultant for certain projects, development, and works within Railway Protection Zone (RPZ).

Third party is responsible to arrange for IVV (Independent Verification and Validation) Consultant’s confirmation document for proposed works within Railway Protection Zone (RPZ). Qatar Rail shall not be held liable to any contractual, commercial or responsibility for any agreement between IVV Consultant and third party. It is third-party responsibility to arrange for IVV Consultant’s confirmation document and submit it to Qatar Rail as part of permission requirement once it is requested by Qatar Rail.

Third party then, shall apply for Qatar Rail permission - No Objection Certificate (NOC) and Permit To Work (PTW); attaching IVV Consultant’s document as requested by Qatar Rail (case by case). IVV Consultant confirmation does not automatically grant Qatar Rail permission. Qatar Rail permission is the final approval for any development or works within Railway Protection Zone (RPZ). It is important highlight IVV Consultant cannot be a member of third-party group for the same proposed developments, projects, or activities, when IVV confirmation document is required by Qatar Rail.

IVV consultant’s confirmation document may include all or part of third party’s development (temporary and permanent), which may impact the railway and / or have an adverse effect (danger) to the railway. The following is a non-exhaustive list of development and activities:

• Developments & Buildings

• Utilities & Road/Highway (Infrastructure schemes)

• Restricted Activities

IVV Consultant Roles and Responsibilities – Railway Protection Zone

The mission of IVV Consultant is to verify, validate and check major developments proposed by third party within Railway Protection Zone (RPZ). This verification and validation shall be performed independently from third-party group. This to ensure all Qatar Railways Company’s requirement has been complied with during design, construction, and completion phases independently from third party. IVV Consultant duties can be performed on all, or part of, as required by Qatar Rail to third party during Qatar Rail permission’s life cycle / process.

The key roles and responsibility of IVV Consultant includes but not limited to:

• Provide design appraisal on the influence of any development on Qatar Rail assets and networks

• Validate and check the impact studies from third party development on Qatar Rail assets and networks

• Validate and check method statements, and risk assessment from third party development

• Check and ensure the safety of railway from third party development

• Advise, validate, and check monitoring requirement and outcome (structural and geotechnical) from third party development

• Conduct workshops and coordination for awareness and HSE and Qatar Rail conditions as needed

• Check and validate dilapidation report

• Notify Qatar Rail at the end of the work/projects and status of the works as required

• Validate and check activities are complied with Qatar Rail requirement for NOC, PTW, PTW closeout (contractors’ compliance)

• Ensure reinstatement works compliance with Qatar Rail requirement

• Notify Qatar Rail for any nonconformity by third party

• Submit reports as requested by Qatar Rail

• Check third party’s document submission prior to reaching Qatar Rail if required.

• Any other duties and items required by Qatar Rail to third party

Pathway to IVV Consultant Registration – Railway Protection Zone

Minimum two representatives (Civil Engineers with grade A) from the interested consultant must enrol to attend the training sessions and the exam on behalf of the consultant office. The interested consultant must fill the training form and send it to Qatar Rail for review. This does not grant Qatar Rail’s consent to interested consultant to become IVV consultant, until the complete attendance of the training sessions and achieve the exam’s result score with Qatar Rail’s final consent. The form must clearly show the names and number of nominees who will attend the training sessions. Qatar Rail will review and confirm the final number of attendees, which is subject to availability of the classroom / timetable.

Training Material

The material is structured to cover activities and requirement within Railway Protection Zone (RPZ). The courses will be delivered in modules and utilised by the trainer in delivering the course. The trainer will integrate additional/optional information as required to support the learning experience.

Classroom courses will be delivered in a multi-day with intensive learning experience in a face-to-face environment (4 days including Exam date) and 10 modules in total will be covered. Consultants’ nominees are required to attend all tutorials. Please refer to training plan for further details.

Completing Training and Exam

At the end of the courses, an exam will be included, where Consultant’s nominees are required to complete the exam on the date which Qatar Rail will announce it following the completion of all training sessions (usually it is on the next working day). Attending all training sessions is compulsory requirement to do the exam. A minimum pass score must be met to be recognised as IVV Consultant for third party ‘s works within RPZ.

Independent Verification & Validation Consultant validity - Railway protection Zone

The validity of IVV Consultant registration is 2 years. IVV consultant who wishes to renew the registration must apply and seek Qatar Rail’s consent for additional 2 years. IVV Consultant must apply for renewal within 30 days prior to expiry date. In case the IVV duties were not performed by IVV Consultant during the validity of registration, IVV Consultant needs to attend and pass the exam to renew the validity of the registration. Qatar Rail may call IVV Consultant nominees to attend exam as required, following the outcome of performance evaluation.

Evaluation and Performance

Qatar Rail will review and assess the performance of each IVV Consultant (Railway Protection Zone) and will decide based on the outcome of IVV Consultant’s evaluation. A set of evaluation criteria and key performance indicators will be used to monitor the performance

• IVV Consultant provides confirmation document at the same time being a member of third-party group for the same development / works and at the same time

• Incomplete submissions and review during design appraisal phase

• Returned applications by Qatar Rail which were already validated and verified by IVV consultant

• Change IVV Consultant status without informing Qatar Rail within 30 days

• Observations during construction phase raised by Qatar Rail and stakeholders

• Missing to notify Qatar Rail of any noncompliance works by third party

• Issue IVV document to third-party project /work which is incompliance with Qatar Rail requirement

• Number of projects / works during the validity of registration

• Duration for resubmission and correction action time to third-party ~ within 3 days

• Qatar Rail calls and meetings with IVV Consultants for any third party’s complains

• Score and outcome of yearly evaluation by Qatar Rail

Qatar Rail has the right to call IVV Consultant and the nominees to appear for interview to discuss any specific issue and topic related to the performance. Qatar Rail reserves the right to remove IVV consultant name from the list at any time without having to provide any explanations.

Noncompliance and Consequences

Qatar Rail will take one or all following actions toward IVV Consultant who does not comply with Qatar Rail requirement / verification & validation requirement:

a) Remove IVV consultant’s name from Qatar Rail records (Railway Protection Zone)

b) Notify Ministry of Municipality (Engineers & Engineering Offices Accrediting & Classifying Committee) with Qatar Rail’s decision

c) Take any action as per Qatar Rail’s discretion

FAQ

1. What are the objectives of Railway Protection Zone (RPZ) IVV Consultant Registration?

The objectives are:

• Awareness of Qatar Rail requirement when third-party works within Railway Protection Zone

• Apply Qatar Rail requirement, manuals, guidelines for works within Railway Protection Zone

• Ensure compliance with Qatar Rail terms and condition

• Progressively increase the awareness level on Railway protection Zone (RPZ) requirement

• Expand railway safety

2. What happens after lodging the application?

Qatar Rail will review and inform each consultant with its decision including the number of attendees who can participate in the training which is subject to availability of the classroom / timetable.

3. Where is the location of the classroom?

Training and examination will be held in Qatar Rail Tower.

4. How do I access the classroom?

Once your application is acknowledged, access to Qatar Rail Tower will be announced by Qatar Rail.

5. What happens after receiving IVV Consultant recognition?

Qatar Rail will announce and publish the names in Qatar Rail website for third party’s selection.

6. What is the training fess?

Currently for 2022, no fees for the training. All training sessions and exam are free.

7. Is IVV Consultant recognition integrated with Ministry of Municipality?

Currently No. However, there is ongoing discussion and coordination with Ministry of Municipality (Engineers & Consulting Offices Accrediting & Classifying Committee).

8. Can any Consultant apply?

No. Only Category A Consultants Local and international offices with Civil Engineering are accepted to apply.

9. Will Qatar Rail be involved in any contract agreement with IVV Consultant?

No, Qatar Rail will not be involved in any agreement between IVV Consultant and Third Parties. It is third party responsibility to arrange for independent verification. Qatar Rail shall not be held liable to any contractual, commercial or any responsibility of any agreement between IVV Consultant and third party.

10. Can IVV Consultant be a member of Third Parties for the same proposed development?

No. IVV Consultant must not be a member of Third-Party group for the same development / works at the same time. The independent verification must be carried out by an IVV consultant that is independent of the third-party development / works.