The Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has disclosed bid documents for the ambitious expansion project of the Dubai Metro's Blue Line. This release marks a pivotal moment in advancing this substantial infrastructure undertaking.
Dubai Metro's Blue Line Expansion
The Blue Line expansion is designed to encompass 14 stations and 28 trains, featuring a mix of elevated and underground stations, to address the surging demand for modern transportation solutions in Dubai. The project is poised to significantly enhance connectivity across vital city areas.
Competing Consortiums
Six international consortiums have been shortlisted for the prestigious contract bid, showcasing a collaborative effort on a global scale. The consortiums include Hyundai Rotem, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, Nippon; China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation, Limak Holding, Mapa Group; Siemens, Samsung, Larsen & Toubro, Wade Adams; Alstom, FCC, China State Construction Engineering Corporation; CAF, China Tiesiju Civil Engineering Group, Arab Contractors; and Hitachi, WeBuild.
Project Timeline
The project initiation began with the RTA soliciting Expressions of Interest (EOI) from contractors in October 2023. The Blue Line extension, spanning 30 kilometers with half of its route running underground, is aligned with a strategic timeline. Project award in 2024, tunnel construction initiation in 2025, trial operations in 2028, and full commercial operations starting in 2029 form the projected milestones.
Capacity and Connectivity
With a daily capacity of 320,000 riders, the Blue Line will link vital districts like Academic City, Al Rashidiya, Al Warqa, Mirdif, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and Dubai Creek Harbour. Its goal is to enable the flow of 56,000 people per hour in both directions, with a service interval of around 1.5 minutes.
Urban Development Vision
In alignment with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, the Blue Line expansion contributes to the concept of a '20-minute city.' This visionary urban development strategy ensures that essential services are within a 20-minute travel time, endorsing a transit-oriented development (TOD) approach for improved livability and accessibility.
