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RTA Mulls Exclusive Rail and Road for Cargo Transport

DUBAI - A comprehensive study focusing on the need of rail lines to transport cargo and dedicated roads for heavy vehicles is currently being undertaken by the Roads and Transport Authority.

The study is being done to streamline the movement of heavy vehicles, a top RTA official said on Tuesday.

Mattar Al Tayer, the Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the RTA, during a meeting with Major General Khamis Mattar Al Mazina, Deputy General Commander of Dubai Police, said that the Authority has developed a model plan to forecast the projected movement of heavy vehicles and conducted several studies.

“The RTA is currently undertaking a comprehensive study of traffic movement across the emirate involving site surveys, interviews and workshops with the concerned departments and companies.

“RTA has also developed a model plan to forecast the projected movement of heavy vehicles and conducted several studies to identify the need for rail lines to transport cargos.

“Studies conducted also included assessment of the truck movement during prohibited timings and routes, the need for dedicated heavy vehicle roads and the organisational and structural aspects related to management of trucks and cargo movement in Dubai,” the official said.

Currently, heavy vehicle movement is restricted on some roads at intervals starting from 6.30am up to 8.30am, 1pm to 3pm, and 5.30pm to 8pm, the
official said.

Earlier this year, Sharjah announced the opening of a new road just for heavy vehicles banning their movement in the internal roads.

The 8-km long road, developed at a cost of around Dh80 million is all set to open in a few weeks.

The road starts from Al Suhaila Roundabout and connects the Al Dhaid-Madam Road passing through Al Dhaid City Centre area.

The study on truck movement will provide a systematic framework for future forecasts and undertaking policies and options including dedicated corridors for cargo movement.

The analysis of truck movement on Emirates Road has already resulted in improved traffic, Al Tayer said. Heavy vehicles are prohibited on the road from 6 am to 10 pm.

‘Bus lay-by areas’ an option

Al Mazina called for providing bus lay-by areas interlinked with the routes of public transport so that truck drivers can park their trucks and use public transport to go home or do private business in the downtown areas.

The official said that there could be specified parking areas at road approaches which are subjected to restrictions for heavy vehicle movement. These areas could have toilets and cafeterias, which will help drivers.

He also highlighted the need, when specifying prohibited movement timing for trucks, to avoid compromising the standing of Dubai as an important shipping and distribution center in the region, particularly with regard to cargo transport.

joy@khaleejtimes.com

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