RTA Awards $5.6B Contract For Dubai Metro Blue Line
Dubai is taking a massive step forward in enhancing its public transportation network with the AED 20.5 billion ($5.6 billion) Metro Blue Line project. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has awarded the contract to a consortium of three companies – Turkey’s Mapa and Limak, and China’s CRRC – according to an announcement by Dubai Media Office on Thursday.
The new line, spanning 30 kilometers with 14 stations, is part of the city's efforts to address traffic congestion and accommodate its growing population. Construction will kick off in April 2025, with the line expected to be operational on September 9, 2029 – exactly 20 years after the Dubai Metro’s initial launch of the Red Line.
Features and Connectivity
The Metro Blue Line is designed to provide “sustainable and flexible public transport solutions,” said RTA director general Mattar Al Tayer. The line will integrate seamlessly with existing Red and Green Metro lines, connecting five key urban areas: Bur Dubai and Deira, Downtown and Business Bay, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence, and Expo City Dubai.
The 30km route will feature 15.5km of underground tracks and 14.5km of elevated tracks. It will include three interchange stations: Al Khor (on the Green Line), Centrepoint (on the Red Line), and International City. A striking signature architectural station will also be built in Dubai Creek Harbour. Notably, the Blue Line will include Dubai Metro’s first crossing over Dubai Creek via a 1,300-meter bridge, enhancing connectivity and easing travel across the city.
.@rta_dubai has awarded an AED 20.5 billion contract for the Dubai Metro Blue Line project to a consortium of three prominent Turkish and Chinese companies: MAPA, LIMAK, and CRRC. The project spans 30 kilometres and includes 14 stations pic.twitter.com/hHfUA0ZcPo
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) December 19, 2024
Enhanced Accessibility and Urban Planning
The Blue Line supports Dubai’s vision for a “20-minute city,” where over 80% of services are accessible within a 20-minute commute. With a capacity of 46,000 passengers per hour in both directions, the line is expected to serve nearly 200,000 passengers daily by 2030, increasing to 320,000 daily by 2040. The Dubai Metro, once the Blue Line is complete, will expand to 131km in length with 78 stations served by 168 trains.
Economic and Environmental Impact
The project’s economic benefits are significant, projected to generate AED 56.5 billion by 2040. These benefits stem from reduced traffic congestion, time savings, lower fuel consumption, fewer road accident fatalities, and decreased carbon emissions. The RTA estimates that for every dirham invested in the project, AED 2.60 will be returned in economic, social, and environmental benefits.
Additionally, the Blue Line is expected to boost property values by up to 25% in areas surrounding its stations and reduce traffic congestion on major roads by 20%.
A Growing Need for Public Transport
Dubai Metro currently transports more than 850,000 riders daily and has carried nearly 2.5 billion passengers since its launch in 2009. It accounts for 60% of all public transport users in Dubai, highlighting the city’s reliance on an efficient metro system.
The Metro Blue Line project is a testament to Dubai’s commitment to sustainable urban growth and enhanced mobility. As the city continues to expand, the Blue Line will play a pivotal role in connecting communities, reducing travel times, and improving the overall quality of life for residents and visitors alike.