Dual monorail passenger trains start functioning inside the HIA

The Hamad International Airport (HIA) has switched on the much-awaited dual trains inside its facilities, reports Gulf Times.

The new train is expected to significantly reduce travel times through the terminal for arriving, departing as well as transit passengers.

“This is the first time that a people mover is operating inside the terminal building. Most of the world’s other airports have such facilities located externally from the building,” said Qatar Airways Group CEO Akbar Al Baker.

The two passengers trains will shuttle between the terminal’s south and north nodes. Passengers departing from HIA can board from the South Station, located behind the iconic "Lamp Bear", which will take them towards the North Station located near concourses D and E.

Passengers arriving at HIA can board the North Station, which will take them towards the transfers hall and arrivals immigration located near the South Station.

Each passenger train has five carriages with a design capacity of 38 persons per carriage. This allows each train to transport up to 190 passengers at a time.

The two passenger trains will be operated simultaneously in a synchronised manner with the train system remaining operational 24 hours a day.

. @HIAQatar testing a new mass transport system? Simply amazing. @qatarliving @dohanews @iloveqatar #amazing #qatar pic.twitter.com/1ToI8Bej7K

— Aju George Chris (@Greeeker) May 2, 2016

Each trip between the two stations takes 90 seconds, with a 44sec waiting time at each station. Approximate walking time for the same distance is nine minutes.

The passenger trains are extremely efficient and low maintenance.

After the inauguration ceremony, Al Baker received an Operational Safety Certificate, which states that HIA has met the railway safety regulation requirements.

Photo courtesy: Zbigniew Tappert