New metro line to support ‘vital areas’ in Dubai’s expansion
Head of transport authority’s Rail Agency says Route 2020 will serve existing and future developments along its 15km route
The planned extension of the Dubai Metro will help support “vital existing and future developments” along its 15km route, the head of the emirate’s Rail Agency has said.
The ‘Route 2020’ line will connect the existing Red Line on Sheikh Zayed Road to the Expo 2020 site near Al Maktoum Airport, and is set to be built following the award of a $2.89 billion contract to a consortium of multinational firms.
Abdul Mohsin Ibrahim Younes, the CEO of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) Rail Agency, said the new line will bring vital services and development to crucial areas within Dubai.
“In addition to Expo 2020, the new line will serve some vital existing and future developments along its route, with a view to achieving project sustainability,” he said in an interview with Big Project ME.
“During the feasibility study, the RTA coordinated with all developers, as well as public service bodies, along the proposed route of the metro to ensure that Route 2020 will support the vital areas served by this crucial project, and that the proposed station locations are best integrated with the urban setting and meet the mobility demands within each particular location,” Younes explained.
“The project’s catchment area includes vital urban development with a total population that amounts to 270,000 people. Major urban developments within the Route 2020 catchment area include: The Gardens, Discovery Gardens, Al Furjan, Jumeirah Golf Estates and Dubai Investment Parks.”
The capacity of Route 2020 is estimated at 23,000 riders per hour in each direction. The ridership of the route is expected to reach 125,000 riders per day in 2020, rising to 275,000 riders per day by 2030.
