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Dubai: The Dh15.5 billion metro project launched in October 2005 has entered its 19th month of construction work, out of a total of 49 months.
Click here to view Dubai Metro project map (pdf)
Around 7,000 people are working on the project at different sites across the city. The number is set to increase as construction work on the Green Line is gaining pace.
Major construction work is going on at the 52.1km Red Line between Jebel Ali Port and Al Rashidiya. Work continues round-the-clock at most sites and is on schedule.
It is being completed in record time and residents will see a trial run of the train from June to August 2009, before boarding the train in September 2009.
Once completed, some 87 trains will initially run on the Red and Green Lines - a total of 74.6 kilometres. It is the world's largest system, which will use fully automated and driverless trains.
A fully functional metro system will be able to carry about 1.8 million passengers every working day.
The metro system will not remain confined to the Red and Green Lines. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is working on designs for the Blue and Purple Lines.
"The aims of the Metro systems are to provide an alternative mode of transport to ease congestion, save passengers' travelling time and improve mobility within the city.
"It is intended to provide transport coverage and reach all strategic areas of the city and develop the network to branch out into the suburbs with future extensions," said Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the RTA which is executing the project.
Thirty-one months to go
Gulf News spoke to Engineer Ahmad Al Hammadi, Director of Construction for Dubai Metro at the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority to get update on the project.
Gulf News: How much work on Dubai Metro has been completed?
Engineer Ahmad Al Hammadi: Contract for the Dh15.5-billion Dubai Metro Project was awarded in August 2005. Construction on the 49-month project started in October 2005. We have completed 18 months of work, which is 37 per cent and it is on schedule.
What elements of construction work have been completed?
We have finished outer box walls of the four underground stations on the Red Line, including those at Union Square, BurJuman, Al Rigga and the City Centre. Some 60 per cent pilling work has been completed whereas 50 per cent of piers work for the elevated Metro tracks has been completed.
Five viaduct spans have been installed starting Interchange number 5.5 near Ibn Battuta Shopping Mall. [A viaduct is a bridge between two piers on which train track will run]
Pilling work for elevated stations near Dubal, Jebel Ali, Al Karama and Al Jaffiliya have been completed and we are currently working on elevated stations near Marina, Barsha and Ibn Battuta mall.
What is lined up next?
We will continue to install viaduct spans. Right now, we are using two gantries [overhead travelling cranes] to launch spans. Four other gantries will be assembled within the next 30 days to launch spans for viaducts on the 47.4 km of elevated track of the Red Line.
Work will also start on Burj Al Arab station in April whereas pilling work will start on the Emirates station and the Trade Centre stations.
All elevated stations on the Red Line will be complete by the beginning of 2008 while the underground stations will complete by the end of 2008 and early 2009. Installation work for the rail track will start by the end of 2007.
On the Green Line, construction of outer box walls will start in March at Al Ghubaiba station.
Your comments
It sounds so exciting. Dubai is now a world's landmark in achieving the impossible in the shortest possible time. Now we have reason to believe that almost half of the worlds population knows what is Dubai. Dubai Metro you are the future entity and ye move Dubai from places to places. My whole hearted support goes to every single person's contribution.
Shuaib
Sharjah,UAE
I have read so many times about the metro trains in Dubai, I could get a picture that the tickets will be higher than a normal earning person will be able to afford.
Abdul
Dubai,UAE
No doubt that Dubai Metro project will not only ease the Traffic in Dubai , It will change the way of life in Dubai, And it will make Dubai marvellous to see. The concerned authorities should give more attention towards the access transport facilities and parking systems at the Metro stations.
Muneer
Dubai,UAE
Congrats for Dubai Metro. Can we see UAE Metro connecting all Emirates soon?
Ian
Dubai,UAE
Im finally relieved that the metro will at last solve the growing problem of traffic that Dubai is currently facing. I used to live in the Emirates but now I'm back in the Philippines for college, and so hopefully when I come back to work there, the metro will expand even further to the other emirates.
Richard
Lucena,Philippines
Congratulations to the RTA for initiating and maintaining progress on such an ambitous but vital project.
As non tax paying expatriates, we should sincerely apprecaite the benefits we will enjoy under the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammeds, VP (UAE) and Ruler of Dubai, for easing congestion, and improving mobility within our vibrant city.
Thanks again to The RTA for its signifcant efforts on the Metro and wider Dubai Infrastructure improvements.
Martin
Dubai,UAE
A very ambitious and well-needed project. I hope metro stations will have associated parking areas, at least for the areas outside the city center so people may drive their cars and park them for the day as they take the metro to work.
D J
Dubai,UAE
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