Dubai’s RTA will begin the Dhs18 billion Blue Line project this year
Dubai Metro is set for a significant upgrade with the introduction of an entirely new line, the Dubai Metro Blue Line, which will join the existing Red and Green Lines. This development is expected to enhance the public transport network in Dubai, providing more options and convenience for commuters.
Project Announcement and Investment
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has revealed that work on the Dhs18 billion Dubai Metro Blue Line project will commence this year. This substantial investment highlights the commitment to improving the city’s infrastructure and catering to the growing population and tourist influx.
Passenger Capacity and Future Projections
Once completed, the Blue Line is anticipated to serve 200,000 passengers daily. This number is projected to rise to 320,000 by 2040, reflecting the line’s critical role in accommodating the increasing demand for public transportation in Dubai.
Expansion of Metro Stations
In a significant move, the RTA announced in July 2024 that the Dubai Metro network would more than double its number of operating stations by 2040. This expansion is part of the broader strategy to enhance connectivity and accessibility throughout the city.
Route and Stations
The Dubai Metro Blue Line will feature 14 stations, with nine above ground and five underground, extending over a distance of 30 km. It will serve nine vital areas of the city and connect with the Red Line at Centrepoint Station and the Green Line at Al Khor Station. The areas covered include Marsa, Dubai Creek, Festival City, International City, Al Rashidiya, Al Warqa, Mirdif, and urban areas such as Silicon Oasis and Academic City. This extensive coverage will ensure that more residents and visitors have access to efficient public transport options.
Safety and Project Requirements
Although construction is only beginning this year, the RTA and Dubai Police have already discussed the project requirements to ensure the safety of city residents. These discussions emphasize the importance of safety in the project’s planning and execution phases.
Official Statements and Project Details
In February, His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at RTA, officially announced the commencement of work on the Blue Line in 2024.
He stated, “RTA is consistently expanding and upgrading the public transport network. 2024 is set to mark the commencement of the Dubai Metro Blue Line project, which will stretch over a total of 30 km, with 15.5 km running underground and 14.5 km above ground.”
Integration and Connectivity
“The project encompasses 14 stations, including three interchange stations, connecting key areas in Dubai to cope with the projected demographic growth of surrounding areas to one million people as per the Dubai Urban Master Plan 2040. It also integrates with the Red and Green lines of the Metro, offering a direct link between Dubai International Airport and nine principal areas situated along its route. The journey time between these destinations is expected to vary from 10 to 25 minutes,” added Al Tayer. This integration is expected to significantly enhance the overall efficiency and convenience of the Dubai Metro system.
Historical Announcement
Plans for the Dubai Metro Blue Line were first announced in November 2023 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
At the time, His Highness stated, “The Blue Line Route of the Dubai Metro will cost 18 billion dirhams and covers areas with a population of up to a million people such as Marsa, Dubai Creek, Festival City, International City, Al Rashidiya, Al Warqa, Mirdif, and urban areas such as Silicon Oasis, Academic City, and others. The new line will transport 320,000 new passengers daily.” This announcement underlines the strategic importance of the Blue Line in Dubai’s urban development plans.
Underground and Above Ground Sections
Interestingly, unlike the current Metro Lines, just over half of the Dubai Metro Blue Line will be underground, with the remainder above ground. This design choice will allow the Blue Line to traverse diverse urban landscapes while minimizing disruptions to existing infrastructure and traffic.
Current Metro Usage and Expansion Plans
With 260 million riders using Dubai’s Red and Green Metro lines in 2023, the commencement of work on the Blue Line is bound to be exciting news for public transport users in Dubai. The current network efficiently connects various parts of the city, with Green Line stations located in Bur Dubai and Deira in the old town, and the Red Line connecting the old city and airport to Downtown, Dubai Marina, and Expo 2020 in the southwest.
In October 2022, it was revealed that both the Red Line and the Green Line were to be expanded, with the announcement of the brand-new Blue Line following shortly afterward. This continuous development underscores Dubai’s commitment to maintaining and enhancing its public transport infrastructure to meet future needs.
Reference: Time Out Dubai
