The Completion of Dubai Metro Blue Line: A Milestone for Public Transport

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai has officially announced the completion date for the long-awaited Dubai Metro Blue Line. Set to span 30 kilometers, this significant expansion of the metro system is scheduled to be completed on Sunday, September 9, 2029. This date is particularly special as it marks the 20th anniversary of the Dubai Metro’s initial operations, highlighting the city’s commitment to enhancing public transportation.

The Blue Line will introduce a total of 14 new stations, comprising nine elevated stations and five underground stations. This new line aims to provide vital transport connectivity to some of the most densely populated areas of the emirate, significantly improving the daily commute for thousands of residents.

Connecting with the existing transport network, the Dubai Metro Blue Line will link with the Red Line at Centrepoint Station and intersect with the Green Line at Al Khor Station. The route will serve key locations such as Marsa, Dubai Creek, Festival City, International City, Al Rashidiya, Al Warqa, Mirdif, Silicon Oasis, and Academic City.

To facilitate the construction of this ambitious project, the RTA has awarded a contract worth AED 20.5 billion to a consortium of three leading companies: Turkish firms MAPA and Limak, along with the Chinese construction giant CRRC. The project will encompass 30 kilometers of track and 14 stations, representing a significant investment in Dubai’s infrastructure.

The updated budget of AED 20.5 billion surpasses the earlier estimate of AED 18 billion. Upon its completion, the Blue Line is projected to accommodate 46,000 passengers per hour in both directions, utilizing a fleet of 28 trains. The anticipated daily ridership is expected to reach 200,000 passengers by 2030, with projections growing to 320,000 passengers by 2040 as Dubai continues its expansion.

The RTA estimates that the new line will reduce traffic congestion along the corridors it serves by approximately 20 percent. Additionally, it will establish direct connectivity between Dubai International Airport and urban districts, with travel times ranging from 10 to 25 minutes to DXB.

The Route of the Dubai Metro Blue Line

The Blue Line will feature three interchange stations: one at Al Khor on the Green Line, another at Centrepoint on the Red Line, and a new station located at International City. An architectural highlight of the project will be the station at Dubai Creek Harbour, which promises to be a stunning addition to the landscape.

One of the most innovative aspects of the Blue Line will be its first-ever crossing over Dubai Creek, realized through a 1,300-meter bridge. This will enhance connectivity and integrate the different metro lines efficiently.

The Blue Line’s route will consist of two main branches. The first will commence at the Al Khor Interchange Station on the Green Line at Al Jaddaf, traversing through Dubai Festival City, Dubai Creek Harbour, and Ras Al Khor before reaching International City. From there, trains will continue to two additional stations at International City, followed by stops at Dubai Silicon Oasis, concluding at Dubai Academic City.

The second branch will initiate from the Red Line at the Centrepoint Interchange Station in Al Rashidiya, making stops at Mirdif, Al Warqa, and the first station at International City. By 2040, the population in areas serviced by the Blue Line is projected to reach 1 million residents, with land and property values increasing by up to 25 percent due to proximity to the line.

Notably, the Blue Line will be the first transport project in Dubai to adhere to platinum-grade green building standards, reflecting the RTA’s commitment to sustainability.

In the summer of 2024, the RTA unveiled plans to significantly expand the metro network, aiming to more than double the current number of stations by 2040. Currently, 64 stations operate over an area of 84 square kilometers, with plans to expand to 140 stations covering 228 square kilometers by 2040. The Blue Line is a vital component of Dubai’s ambitious metro expansion project.

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