Gulf Construction Online - Dubai launches $2.9bn Route 2020 project

UAE Focus

The Expo 2020 station ... iconic.

Dubai launches $2.9bn Route 2020 project

01 August 2020

HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, officially inaugurated the operations of Dh11-billion ($2.9 billion) Route 2020 project, which involves the 15-km extension of the Dubai Metro Red Line from Jebel Ali Station to Expo 2020 linking seven stations. It will be open to the public next month (September).

The project is part of the Roads and Transport Authority’s (RTA) masterplan to provide integrated multi-modal mass transit systems comprising the metro, tram, buses and marine transport.

Upon arrival at Jebel Ali Metro Station, Sheikh Mohammed was welcomed by Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA.

The project was focused on building globally-benchmarked infrastructure and services that meet the UAE’s aspirations themed ‘Towards the Next 50 Years’.

Shaikh Mohammed on board the new metro train, which features some modifications.

The track extends 15 km (11.8-km elevated track and 3.2-km underground track) and links seven stations (one Interchange station with the Red Line, one iconic station at Expo 2020 site, three elevated stations and two underground stations).

The project offers safe and smooth transport for Expo visitors and residents of Dubai communities. It is also viewed as a vital future link between several Dubai communities and Al Maktoum International Airport.

Sheikh Mohammed later toured Jebel Ali Station, an interchange station that spans 8,800 sq m in area with a total capacity of 320,000 riders per day. He boarded the new metro train, which features some modifications to the interior design of the metro carriages.

The train stopped at Expo 2020 Station, which boasts a unique design featuring the wings of an aircraft, signifying Dubai’s future drive towards greater innovation. The station has three passenger platforms and three routes. It is linked on the eastern side with the Expo exhibition and Expo Coex, and on the western side with the Expo Mall and urban complex. The station design enables its integration with public transport means with spaces for buses and taxis stands.

Through the metro operator, RTA will continue the operational tests and trials over the following months. The test-run comprises four phases: the first is the Static Test, where a motionless metro carriage will be placed on the track for carrying out a series of tests.

Tests include communication systems, automated operation systems, electrical systems, air-conditioning, onboard electronic devices, lighting systems as well as motoring and braking equipment and the integration between various subsystems and components, stated Al Tayer.

According to him, work is currently under way on the second phase of mobile testing, which consists of a series of tests on a train in motion without passengers.

Tests on the rolling stock cover motors, brake systems, loading, electric current systems, electromagnetic compatibility, automated train systems, rail communications systems, and speed.

RTA will shortly embark on Phase Three of operational tests to verify system reliability and stability. These tests are key phases of the project and start after the completion of tests and integration of the entire systems. During this phase, the system will be running continuously in a mode similar to the normal revenue operation, but without passengers, with the aim of achieving the targeted operational performance indicator (KPI).

Phase Four features a trial run to be conducted by the operator aimed at verifying the readiness of the operator before the start of actual service operations. The trial includes 14 days of operations without riders to test the various components of the metro system in all modes including normal, degraded and emergency.

The exterior designs of Route 2020 stations feature an enhanced version of the architectural design of existing metro stations along the Red and Green Lines. Such designs include four variations. The iconic Expo station features plane wings symbolising Dubai’s future aspirations and its focus on innovation.

The interchange station between Route 2020 and the Red Line at Jebel Ali Station has a design similar to that of current metro stations in order to maintain overall design identity. The other two patterns are for elevated and underground stations. The new designs allow for bigger capacities compared with the existing stations on the Red Line, besides design elements signifying simplicity, modernity and sustainability.