The recently announced 30km Blue Line extension of the Dubai Metro promises not only to reduce travel time but its route also to offer commuters breathtaking views of the city. This extension, slated for completion by 2029, is a crucial component of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.
Service Areas
The Blue Line will connect Dubai International Airport with key areas such as Mirdif, Al Warqa, International City, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Academic City, Ras Al Khor Industrial Area, Dubai Creek Harbour, and Dubai Festival City. The aim is to significantly reduce travel times, ranging from 10 to 25 minutes, between these destinations.
Stations
With a total length of 30km, including 15.5km underground and 14.5km elevated, the Blue Line will boast 14 stations. Notably, an expansive underground interchange station in International City will accommodate approximately 350,000 passengers daily. The line will also feature an iconic station at Dubai Creek Harbour designed by the renowned Skidmore, Owings and Merrill.
Routes
The Blue Line will consist of two main routes, connecting the Green Line’s Creek Interchange Station and the Red Line’s Centrepoint Interchange Station. The routes span 21km and 9km, featuring 10 and 4 stations, respectively.
Passenger Capacity
Designed to handle 56,000 passengers per hour in both directions with a service interval of 1.5 minutes, the Blue Line anticipates catering to 50,000 university students from Academic City by 2029.
Cost and Benefits
The project, estimated at Dh18 billion, aims to expand Dubai’s railway network to 131 km, covering 78 stations and 168 trains. The total benefits by 2040 are projected to reach Dh56.5 billion, considering time and fuel savings, reduced accidents, lower carbon emissions, and a potential 25% appreciation in real estate property value.
Rollout Plan
Tender submissions for the Blue Line were accepted until November 24, with the project award announcement slated for next year. Tunnel boring is set to commence in 2025, followed by a trial operation in 2028, and the official rollout in 2029, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the Dubai Metro’s inception in 2009. The project aligns with Dubai’s goals for economic growth and sustainable urban development.
Read more: Dubai Metro Blue Line Extension Project Approved.
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