Dubai Metro Blue Line: A Major Upgrade for Public Transport
Exciting news for commuters in Dubai! The Dubai Metro is set to undergo a significant upgrade with the introduction of the new Blue Line, which will complement the existing Red and Green Lines. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai has officially confirmed that construction on the Dhs20.5 billion Dubai Metro Blue Line project is already in progress. This new line is anticipated to commence operations in 2029, coinciding with the Metro’s 20th anniversary.
Once fully operational, the Blue Line is expected to cater to approximately 200,000 passengers every day, with projections indicating an increase to 320,000 daily riders by 2040. Notably, the completion date for this project has been set for September 9, 2029, marking two decades since the Metro began its journey.
In July 2024, the RTA announced plans to significantly expand the Metro network, more than doubling the number of operational stations in the city by 2040. The new Blue Line will feature a total of 14 stations, with nine located above ground and five underground, stretching over 30 kilometers. This expansion aims to serve key areas of Dubai, connecting with the Red Line at Centrepoint Station and the Green Line at Al Khor Station. The line will traverse vital neighborhoods including:
- Marsa
- Dubai Creek
- Festival City
- International City
- Al Rashidiya
- Al Warqa
- Mirdif
- Urban areas like Silicon Oasis
- Academic City
Despite the construction only beginning this year, the RTA has already engaged in discussions with Dubai Police to ensure the safety and security of residents. In February 2024, Mattar Al Tayer, the Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, announced the official commencement of the Dubai Metro Blue Line project. He stated, “RTA is consistently expanding and upgrading the public transport network. The year 2024 marks the beginning of the Dubai Metro Blue Line project, which will cover a total of 30 kilometers, with 15.5 kilometers running underground and 14.5 kilometers above ground.”
Al Tayer further elaborated, “The project encompasses 14 stations, including three interchange stations, connecting key areas in Dubai to accommodate the projected demographic growth of surrounding areas, which are expected to reach a population of one million as per the Dubai Urban Master Plan 2040.” In 2023, the RTA reported that the combined ridership of public transport and shared mobility services, including the Metro, Tram, buses, marine transport, and taxis, reached around 702 million, reflecting a significant growth of 13% from the previous year’s 621.4 million.
The Blue Line’s design will promote seamless integration with the existing Red and Green lines, providing a direct link to Dubai International Airport and key destinations along its route. Travel times between major stops are expected to range from 10 to 25 minutes, enhancing connectivity for all passengers.
Originally announced in November 2023 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the project’s initial estimated cost was Dhs18 billion. However, this figure has risen to Dhs20.5 billion following the partnership of three major construction firms—Turkish companies MAPA and Limak, along with Chinese construction giant CRRC.
Interestingly, unlike the current Metro lines, which primarily operate above ground, the Blue Line will feature over half of its route underground. With hundreds of millions of riders using the Dubai Metro annually, the initiation of the Blue Line project is bound to be a game-changer for public transport users in the city.
Currently, the Green Line serves areas in Bur Dubai and Deira, while the Red Line connects the historic city and the airport to Downtown, Dubai Marina, and Expo 2020 in the southwest. In October 2022, plans were revealed to expand both the Red and Green Lines, paving the way for the new Blue Line.
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