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Work begins on major bus depot

DUBAI - The Public Transport Department of Dubai Municipality has embarked upon a project to build a major bus depot at Al Awir with an investment plan of Dh30 million.

Speaking on the commencement of the construction work, Essa Abdul Rahman Al Dousari, Acting Director of the Public Transport Department, said that the Awir bus depot is being built to keep pace with the rapid industrial growth and development in the Jebel Ali and Al Quoz industrial areas.

"All the depots are built keeping in view their proximity to significant landmarks in the emirate of Dubai," Mr Al Dousari explained.

The time factor is very crucial in public transport system and the Awir depot will suitably provide service to the nearby bus stations making the public service more reliable and efficient, he said.

Levelling work on the site has already begun in full swing.

The first phase of the construction work will be completed within the year, while the entire project is likely to be completed by 2004, Mr Al Dousari said.

With a large capacity to service 291 buses, the Al Awir depot will be one of the biggest depots in Dubai, spreading over 13 hectares.

The bus depot will cover maintenance facilities and provide fuelling service to buses.

Other facilities will include automatic washing, a large drying and vacuuming station and bus waiting.

There will also be stores and a services block, while a huge workshop inside the depot will cater to some 30 buses at a time, fixing mechanical problems.

Currently the Public Transport Department has large bus depots located at Rashidiya and Qusais, which was completed last year.

These depots cater to 324 buses that ply on 32 routes.

Mr Al Dousari added that this additional bus depot reflects on the dynamic growth the public transport department is currently witnessing.

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