The Dubai Metro.
PHOTO BY ARCHIVE
The long-proposed Dubai Metro Blue Line is closer to reality after the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) invited contractors to send their expressions of interest in the project.
The RTA has invited contractors to participate in the design and construction of the Blue Line, with initial responses to be submitted on or before November 24.
RTA did not specify the route, cost and timeframe of the project, but its call for tenders also include the supply of 28 new driverless trains, the construction of a depot for up to 60 trains, and the building of associated roads and facilities.
Although the RTA has yet to release details about the Blue Line, an unofficial map circulating online showed that the Blue Line will span 30km, with both underground and elevated metro tracks.
The Blue Line will have a total of 14 stations, five of which will be underground. The stations will reportedly have stops in International City, Muhaisnah, The Villa and Damac Hills. According to the RTA, one of the stations will have an “iconic” design.
Around 15.5 km of the 30km line would be underground and 14.5 km would be elevated. The Blue Line will also have one interchange.
Based on the tender, the Blue Line will have an initial fleet of 28 driverless trains, which would later expand to 60 trains.
Currently, the Dubai Metro has Red Line stations connecting to Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina and Expo 2020, while the Green Line serves Bur Dubai and Deira. The Dubai Metro currently has 53 stations.
The Dubai Metro Blue Line was first proposed in 2006, but was put on hold in 2008 following the global financial crisis. It was meant to run parallel to the Red Line. Since it opened in 2009, the Dubai Metro has been used by an average of 1.8 million commuters daily. ICA/Expat Media
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