Dubai Metro Expansion: RTA Plans New 30KM, Multi-Billion Dollar Blue Line
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has reached out to contractors about their interest in a significant infrastructure development.
In a notice, the RTA invited contractors to participate in the design and construction of the new Blue Line for the Dubai Metro network.
International contractors are required to collaborate with local partners in this venture.
The scope of this extensive project includes civil works, electromechanical works, rolling stock, and rail systems.
Moreover, the selected contractor will play a pivotal role in the maintenance and operations of the new line for an initial three-year period upon completion.
The upcoming Blue Line will serve to bridge the existing Red and Green lines, covering a total distance of 30 kilometres.
Approximately half of this, 15.5 kilometres, will run underground, with the remaining 14.5 kilometres elevated above ground.
The line will feature reportedly 14 stations, including seven elevated stops, one of which will be iconic.
In addition, there are five underground stations, including an interchange station, and two elevated transfer stations connecting to Centrepoint and Creek stations.
For companies interested in participating, the RTA has provided a form that can be downloaded from the official link.
The completed form, duly signed and stamped, should be submitted via email to cpdepartment@rta.ae by 2 PM on November 24.
In addition to the railway infrastructure, the contract includes the supply of 28 driverless trains, the construction of a depot capable of accommodating up to 60 trains, and the development of associated roads, facilities, and utility diversion works.
The detailed scope of work incorporates civil engineering, electromechanical design and execution, procurement and delivery of operation and control systems, as well as the manufacturing and supply of rolling stock.
In line with Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan
This expansion project, which is reportedly estimated to cost several billion dollars, aligns with Dubai’s urban development plans, particularly the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan unveiled in March 2021.
It expects a high increase in the emirate’s population, with a projected rise to 5.8 million residents by 2040, up from 3.3 million in 2020. The daytime population is expected to surge from 4.5 million in 2020 to 7.8 million in 2040.
Highlighting the commitment to enhancing residents’ quality of life and reducing commute times, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, approved the 20-Minute City strategy in December 2022 as part of the second phase of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.
The expansion of the metro system is a key component of Dubai’s strategy to provide residents with 80 percent of their daily needs within a 20-minute travel radius, whether on foot or by bicycle.
This initiative will include the establishment of integrated service centres and a concentration of population density around mass transit stations, contributing to a more accessible and efficient urban landscape.
