Dubai’s Metro is expanding with the addition of a new 30-kilometer Blue Line. This line aims to keep pace with the city’s rapid growth and will serve as a vital link between the existing Red and Green Metro lines. The Blue Line will have a total length of 30 kilometers, with about half of it (15.5 kilometers) running underground and the other half (14.5 kilometers) above ground.
The project will also bring 28 new driverless trains into the metro system and construct a new depot capable of accommodating up to 60 trains. Additionally, it involves building all the necessary infrastructure, roads, facilities, and utility diversion works.
The responsibilities of the winning contractor, joint venture, or consortium for the Blue Line extension include:
- Civil works, which entail detailed design and construction of various elements such as viaducts, tunnels, and stations.
- Design and execution of electromechanical works.
- Design, procurement, and delivery of operation and control systems for the rail, stations, and facilities.
- Design, manufacturing, and supply of rolling stock, a general term used in the railroad industry to denote rail vehicles.
Dubai’s Metro, which initially began its operation on September 9, 2009, holds the distinction of being the world’s longest driverless metro network, covering a length of 89.3 kilometers. It plays a pivotal role in the city’s public transport system and has already served over 2 billion commuters in the past 14 years. With a punctuality rate of 99.7%, it has also surpassed international safety standards, showcasing exceptional operational efficiency. Dubai’s ambitious plan aims to make driverless public transport account for up to 30% of the total by 2030.
Currently, there are 53 stations on both the Red and Green Lines. The most recent extension project, Route 2020, which connects Jebel Ali Station on the Red Line to Dubai Expo City, commenced operations on January 1, 2021.
The expansion of the Blue Line is part of Dubai’s 2040 Urban Plan, initiated in March 2021, in anticipation of the city’s population growing from 3.3 million in 2020 to 5.8 million by 2040. Furthermore, the daytime population is projected to surge from 4.5 million in 2020 to 7.8 million in 2040. This underscores the need for a comprehensive and sustainable urban development plan.
