The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai is embarking on an ambitious project to extend the city's renowned metro network with a new 30-kilometer track known as the Blue Line.
Expanding Dubai's Metro Network with the Blue Line
This development aims to address the city's rapid economic and urban growth by providing a crucial link between the existing Red and Green Metro lines. The Blue Line, with its 30-kilometer length, represents a significant addition to Dubai's public transportation system. It comprises 15.5 kilometers of underground track and 14.5 kilometers above ground.
Adding Connectivity with 14 Stations
The Blue Line is set to include 14 stations, enhancing connectivity within the city. Seven of these stations will be elevated, with one of them being an iconic station, while the remaining five will be located underground, including an interchange station.
Additionally, two elevated transfer stations will be established, connecting to the existing Centrepoint station, the eastern terminus of the Red Line in Rashidiya, and Creek station, the southern terminus of the Green Line in Al Jaddaf.
Unspecified Route, Cost, and Timeline
The RTA recently issued a tender, which suggests that the development is in progress even though the exact route, cost, and timeline of this project are still unknown. This tender also indicates the need for 28 new driverless trains, the construction of a new depot capable of accommodating up to 60 trains, and the building of all necessary roads, facilities, and utility diversion works to support this expansion.
Project Scope
The winning contractor, joint venture, or consortium chosen for the Blue Line project will undertake several key tasks, including civil works, which encompass the detailed design and construction of architectural and structural components such as viaducts, tunnels, and stations.
Additionally, they will be responsible for executing electromechanical works, procuring and delivering operation and control systems for rail, stations, and facilities, as well as manufacturing and supplying rolling stock (a generic term used in the railroad industry for anything on rail wheels).
Expanding the Backbone of Dubai's Transport System
Dubai Metro, which was inaugurated on September 9, 2009, has evolved into the world's longest driverless metro network, stretching over 89.3 kilometers. Serving as the backbone of Dubai's public transport system, it has effectively transported over 2 billion passengers over the past 14 years.
With a fleet of 129 trains, Dubai Metro boasts a punctuality rate of 99.7 percent and has consistently surpassed international safety standards, setting the stage for Dubai's ambitious vision to increase the share of driverless public transport to 30 percent by 2030.
The Present and Future
Dubai's metro network currently comprises 53 stations across the Red and Green Lines, with the most recent extension being Route 2020, which commenced operations on January 1, 2021, running from Jebel Ali Station on the Red Line to Dubai Expo City.
The Blue Line's expansion is in alignment with the Dubai 2040 Urban Plan, initiated in March 2021, which anticipates a population of 5.8 million in Dubai by 2040, up from 3.3 million in 2020. As the city's daytime population is projected to rise from 4.5 million in 2020 to 7.8 million in 2040, the need for a comprehensive and sustainable urban development plan is evident.
This new metro line is poised to enhance Dubai's connectivity, ease of commuting, and capacity to cater to the city's increasing population and urbanization, ensuring that it continues to be at the forefront of innovative and efficient public transportation systems.
