UAE RTA Awards $5.6B Contract For Metro Blue Line. Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has signed a significant Dh20.5 billion ($5.6 billion) contract to construct the highly anticipated Metro Blue Line. This monumental project underscores the emirate’s commitment to sustainable and efficient urban transport, aligning with its ambitious vision for growth and development.
A Collaborative Effort for Innovation
The Metro Blue Line will be developed by a consortium comprising leading Turkish and Chinese companies: Mapa, Limak, and CRRC. Construction is slated to commence in April 2025, with the line scheduled for completion by September 9, 2029. The inauguration date will coincide with the 20th anniversary of Dubai Metro initial launch in 2009, which began with 10 Red Line stations.
Extensive Coverage and Advanced Features
Spanning 30 kilometers, the Blue Line will consist of 14 strategically located stations. Its design includes 15.5 kilometers of underground tracks and 14.5 kilometers of elevated tracks. The line will interconnect five major urban regions:
- Bur Dubai and Deira
- Downtown and Business Bay
- Dubai Silicon Oasis
- Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence
- Expo City Dubai
The line will feature three interchange stations: Al Khor (Green Line), Centrepoint (Red Line), and International City. A notable highlight is the “signature architectural station” planned at Dubai Creek Harbour, complemented by the Metro’s first-ever crossing over Dubai Creek via a 1,300-meter bridge.
Enhancing Mobility and Quality of Life
RTA Director General Mattar Al Tayer emphasized the Blue Line’s pivotal role in Dubai’s urban transformation. It supports the “20-minute city” initiative, ensuring that over 80% of essential services are accessible within a 20-minute commute. The project also aims to encourage transit-oriented development, enhancing mobility for residents and visitors alike.
Economic and Environmental Impact
The Blue Line is projected to yield substantial economic benefits amounting to Dh56.5 billion by 2040. These include savings in travel time, reduced fuel consumption, decreased road accidents, and lower carbon emissions. For every dirham invested, the project is expected to generate Dh2.60 in economic, social, and environmental benefits.
The metro line will also significantly boost property values around its stations, with an estimated increase of up to 25%. Additionally, it is poised to reduce traffic congestion on key roads by 20%, offering a smoother commute for Dubai’s growing population.
A High-Capacity Network
With a passenger capacity of 46,000 per hour in both directions and an estimated daily ridership of 200,000 by 2030 (increasing to 320,000 by 2040), the Blue Line will be an essential component of Dubai’s public transport system. Once operational, the Dubai Metro will span 131 kilometers with 78 stations, served by 168 state-of-the-art trains.
Seamless Integration
The Blue Line ensures smooth connectivity between the existing Red and Green Lines through two routes, providing direct links between Dubai International Airport and key destinations along the route. Travel times will range between 10 to 25 minutes, making it an efficient choice for commuters.
A Sustainable Future
Dubai Metro contribution to the city’s sustainability goals is remarkable. Currently serving over 850,000 riders daily and accounting for 60% of public transport users in the emirate, the network has transported nearly 2.5 billion passengers since its launch. The addition of the Blue Line further cements Dubai reputation as a global leader in smart and sustainable urban transport.
Conclusion
The Metro Blue Line is more than just an infrastructure project; it is a testament to Dubai’s visionary approach to urban development, fostering a future where convenience, sustainability, and innovation converge.