Dubai Metro $2.88 billion contract announced

Dubai Roads and Transport Authority has announced that work to expand Dubai’s 52km Red Line on the metro system will commence at the end of 2016, completing before the Expo 2020 World Trade Fair in a $2.88 billion contract.

French, Spanish and Turkish firms Alstom, Acciona and Gülermak have been tasked with improving the Metro route; all of which have vast experience in modifying current infrastructures, providing a world class service. Alstom Chief Henri Poupart-Lafarge said to reporters: “We will bring the most innovative and cutting-edge technologies to Route 2020 project and continue to be reliable partners of RTA.”

The 15km expansion project will incorporate five stations over ground, with two underground stations. Alstom will provide 50 new trains (adding to Dubai Metro’s current 79), with 35 to be upgraded to satisfy capacity and demand.

It is predicted that 46,000 are expected to utilise Route 2020, with visitor numbers only set to rise further by 2030. The line will extend from Nakheel Harbour and Tower Station to the Expo 2020 site, and will possibly be extended to Al-Maktoum International, with plans yet to be approved.

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