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Dubai awards $5.6 billion contract for Metro Blue Line, boosting public transport and reducing congestion.
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has awarded the AED20.5 billion ($5.6 billion) contract for the Dubai Metro Blue Line project to a consortium consisting of Turkish companies Mapa Group and Limak, along with Chinese state-owned CRRC. This major development is part of Dubai’s continuous push to expand its public transport network and ease traffic congestion.
The 30-kilometer Blue Line, with 14 stations, was tendered out internationally and was granted the contract. The competition came from five alliances consisting of 15 global companies. Construction will start in April 2024, and it will be ready for service in 2029, to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the Dubai Metro Red Line.
The Blue Line will connect two key routes: one that links with the Green Line at Al Jaddaf and another that connects with the Red Line at Al Rashidiya. The routes will meet at Dubai International City and then proceed to the metro depot at Al Ruwayyah 3. The extension will link key areas like Bur Dubai/Deira, Downtown/Business Bay, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai Marina/JBR, and Expo City Dubai, which will provide an integrated public transport solution for the city.
Besides, the Blue Line will link high-density areas such as Dubai Creek Harbour, Festival City, and International City. According to the RTA, the line is expected to cut traffic congestion by up to 20 percent and raise property values around the stations by as much as 25 percent. The total economic benefits of the project are expected to exceed AED56.5 billion ($15.3 billion) by 2040, driven by reduced travel time, fuel consumption, accidents, and carbon emissions.
This major metro expansion will be critical for the betterment of public transport systems in Dubai and generally in urban development.
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