15km Route 2020 metro line to serve Expo

Shaikh Mohammed called for the project construction to begin immediately, in time to handle the projected influx of people expected to flock to the city for Expo 2020.

Dubai — A new extension of the Dubai Metro — the ‘Route 2020’ project — will see the Red Line extended by 15km with seven additional stations, allowing passengers to travel from the Dubai Marina to the World Expo 2020 site in 16 minutes.

His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has endorsed the ‘Route 2020’ Project, which will extend the metro from Nakheel Harbour and Tower Metro Station to the site of Expo 2020.

Shaikh Mohammed called for the project construction to begin immediately, in time to handle the projected influx of people expected to flock to the city for Expo 2020.

‘Route 2020’ will include five elevated and two underground stations, and will serve areas with an average-to-high population density such as Discovery Gardens, Al Furjan, Jumeirah Golf Estate and Dubai Investment Park.

“These communities are inhabited by about 240,000 people and the journey from Dubai Marina to the site of Expo will take 16 minutes,” explained Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

Al Tayer added that the RTA will hold workshops for consultants and contractors specialising in rail projects, where they will display various components of the Route 2020 project. As per the timeline set, the project is expected to be released for tendering next July.

“The construction of Route 2020 project conforms to the strategic vision of the Dubai Government for achieving sustainable development, and developing a world-class infrastructure and services. It also comes as practical implementation of the RTA’s master plan for providing multiple options of integrated mass transit means comprising the metro, tram, buses and water transport towards realising RTA’s vision of Safe and Smooth Transport for All,” he added.

“The Route 2020 project will offer a safe and smooth mobility to visitors of Expo 2020 and residents of the neighbourhood as well. It stands out as a vital transit corridor linking various Dubai districts with Al Maktoum International Airport, an icon of a new important development phase in the history of Dubai, and a symbol of sustainability, advancement and creativity for current and future generations,” he said.

Al Tayer noted that the Route 2020 project is the highlight of an integrated plan for roads and transport projects to serve the Expo.

“The plan is meant to achieve sustainability of the project and accordingly the path is planned to link Expo site with a number of vital projects and locations in the area,” he said.

Additionally, Al Tayer said that Route 2020 was chosen from several options after assessing their effectiveness and projected impact within the context of Dubai’s development plans.

“It also serves the largest possible number of residents as well as current and future projects, easing snarls on some congested road sectors, providing top class service to targeted communities, and integrating with public transit systems and roads network in the emirate.

dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com

• Transport