Dubai Metro announces the new Blue Line

Who doesn’t love to take a ride in Dubai’s stunning and innovative metro? It's definitely a crowd favourite to get around Dubai and some stations more than others on peak hours, if you know what we mean!

After having the two main green and red lines, an orange line was introduced as part of Dubai Tram and then after a Palm Monorail to connect travellers to the island. This ambitious infrastructure project is about to witness a significant transformation with the introduction of the new Blue Line in the Dubai Metro network. Spanning across 30 kilometres, it aims to bridge the existing Red and Green lines, offering improved connectivity and convenience to commuters.

The beginning of the Blue Line

The Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai recently issued a call to international contractors, seeking their interest and participation in the design and construction of the Blue Line. As part of this endeavour, international contractors are encouraged to collaborate with local partners, fostering a spirit of cooperation for this impressive venture.

What is the scope of the Blue Line?

The Blue Line project encompasses a wide array of components. Some of these include civil works, electromechanical works, rolling stock, and rail systems. Another thing to note is, the selected contractor will not only play a vital role in constructing the new line but will also be responsible for its maintenance and operations for an initial three-year period upon its completion.

What are the key features of the Blue Line?

The Blue Line is poised to become a major part of Dubai's public transportation system. Covering a total distance of 30 km, approximately half of this stretch which is around 15.5 km, will run underground, while the remaining 14.5 km will be elevated above the ground.

The line is expected to boast 14 stations in total, including seven elevated stops. Among these, one station is set to become an iconic landmark. The project will also incorporate five underground stations, including an interchange station, as well as two elevated transfer stations connecting to Centrepoint and Creek stations.

A holistic approach

In addition to the railway infrastructure, the contract encompasses several other factors.

This includes the supply of 28 driverless trains, the construction of a depot with the capacity to accommodate up to 60 trains, and the development of associated roads, facilities, and utility diversion works. The scope of work is extensive, covering civil engineering, electromechanical design and execution, procurement and delivery of operation and control systems, as well as the manufacturing and supply of rolling stock.

Taking a glimpse into the future

This extensive expansion project aligns seamlessly with Dubai's urban development plans, especially the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan unveiled in March 2021. Anticipating a significant population increase in the emirate, with projected numbers reaching 5.8 million residents by 2040, up from 3.3 million in 2020, the plan is a testament to the city's 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. This strategic initiative aims to provide residents with 80 percent of their daily needs within a 20-minute travel radius, either on foot or by bicycle.

As part of this vision, the expansion of the metro system is set to play a pivotal role, further promoting an accessible and efficient urban landscape through integrated service centres and a higher population density around mass transit stations.

The introduction of the Dubai Metro Blue Line signifies a remarkable leap forward in the city's commitment to improving public transportation and the overall quality of life for its residents. With its iconic stations, extensive coverage, and the promise of enhanced connectivity, this project is destined to shape the future of Dubai's transportation landscape.

Impressive, right?

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And if you are keen to know more about RTA’s innovations taking place around town, take a read at our guide here.