UAE: RTA releases a 4.9 billion-dollar tender for the Dubai Metro blue line
The bid documents for the planning and building of the Dubai Metro's Blue Line, a significant extension project, have been made available by the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai.
Project Overview
This significant development was communicated to the prequalified companies on January 12, signaling a critical turning point in the advancement of this large-scale infrastructure project.
Project Specifications
The Dubai Metro Blue Line is slated to feature 14 stations and 28 trains, comprising nine elevated stations and five underground stations. The expansion aims to enhance connectivity across key areas, catering to the growing demand for efficient and modern transportation solutions in the city.
Competing Consortiums
Six consortiums have been shortlisted to bid for the prestigious contract, showcasing international collaboration. The consortiums include Hyundai Rotem, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, Nippon (South Korea/China/Japan); China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation, Limak Holding, Mapa Group (China/Turkey); Siemens, Samsung, Larsen & Toubro, Wade Adams (Germany/South Korea/India/UAE); Alstom, FCC, China State Construction Engineering Corporation (France/Spain/China); CAF, China Tiesiju Civil Engineering Group, Arab Contractors (Spain/China/Egypt); and Hitachi, WeBuild (Japan/Italy).
Project Timeline
The RTA initiated the project by inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) from contractors in October 2023. The Blue Line, extending 30 kilometers, will have half of its route running underground, reaching depths of up to 70 meters. As per the schedule outlined by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the project award is set for 2024, tunnel construction is expected to commence in 2025, trial operations are planned for 2028, and full commercial operations are scheduled to begin in 2029.
Capacity and Connectivity
The Blue Line is intended to carry 320,000 passengers daily between Dubai Creek Harbour, Dubai Festival City, International City, Al Rashidiya, Al Warqa, Mirdif, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and Dubai Academic City, among other densely populated areas. With a service interval of roughly 1.5 minutes, it seeks to carry 56,000 people per hour in both ways.
Urban Development Vision
Aligned with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, the Blue Line expansion contributes to the vision of creating a '20-minute city.' This urban development strategy ensures that over 80% of essential services are within a 20-minute travel time, fostering a transit-oriented development (TOD) approach for enhanced livability and accessibility.
