The Dubai Metro is taking shape rapidly. Approximately 7,000 workers are building the Dh15.5 billion metro project across the city. The number is set to increase as construction of the Green Line gathers pace.
Major construction is underway on the 52.1km Red Line between Jebel Ali Port and Al Rashidiya. Work continues round-the-clock at most sites.
Launched in October 2005, the project is on track for completion on time, with a trial run scheduled from June to August 2009 and train service to begin in September 2009.
Once completed, some 87 trains will initially run on the Red and Green Lines — a total of 74.6 kilometres. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is also working on designs for the Blue and Purple lines.
The fully automated and driverless trains will be able to carry about 1.8 million passengers per day.
Proposed Stations
There will be a total of 47 stations (in addition to stations on the extension lines).
The Red Line will have 29 stations, including 24 elevated, four underground and one at ground-level. This line is 52.1km long, including 4.7km underground. The Green Line will have 18 stations, including 12 elevated and six underground. The Green
Line is 22.5km long, including 7.9km underground.
There will be two transfer stations — Union Square and the BurJuman Centre. At the transfer stations, Green and Red Lines will cross each other and passengers will be able to change lines.
Work on metro stations will continue into 2008.
All elevated stations on the Red Line will be completed by the beginning of 2008, while the underground stations will be complete by early 2009.
Parking lots
Car parking will be provided for rail users. There will be two major parking lots on the Red Line — one at Rashidiya Station for 3,000 cars and at Jumeirah Islands Station for another 3,000 cars.
The biggest parking lot will be built at Al Qusais Station with a capacity of 6,000 cars. It will cater to users coming from Sharjah. There will also be small parking lots at each station.
Line extensions
Extension of Dubai Metro's Red Line is currently under design. It will be extended from Jebel Ali Free Zone to the Dubai-Abu Dhabi border — an additional 12km. The RTA is reviewing a plan to extend the Red Line from Jebel Ali to the under construction Jebel Ali Airport, but is still not finalised.
Extension plans for the Green Line have been approved and it has been extended by about 4.9km from Healthcare City to Al Jaddaf. The Green Line was initially designed for 17.6km, but now it is 22.5-km long.
Integrated transport system
All main metro stations will have adjacent bus stations as part of the integrated transport system which will include buses, taxis as well as water transport links at stations near the creek.
The RTA is planning to introduce an integrated card system, the Smart Card, that will enable passengers to travel on trains, buses and water transport, as well as use the parking areas.
Aesthetic settings
Each train will have three classes — The Golden Class (VIP), the Women and Children's Class and the Silver Class (economy).
The Golden Class will have a luxurious interior with leather seating. The Women and Children's compartments will have plenty of space for strollers and bags to ensure a safe and comfortable journey.
The Silver Class has been finished in a combination of blues and greens. Seating is arranged to give passengers the choice between admiring views through windows or chatting with friends.
Safety and convenience
All compartments will have reserved wheelchair spaces and priority seating for the elderly, injured, those with special needs and pregnant women.
The compartments will be equipped with audio-visual devices and signs will show the route map of the metro and other directions for passengers. A variety of safety devices, including closed circuit television in all trains will ensure a safe and comfortable journey for all.
