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Safety vital to rail projects

DUBAI — Safety is vital to the rail projects, it was stressed at the recent 'Rail Infrastructure MENA 2008' meet in the emirate.

The Rail Agency of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) participated in the two-day conference which brought together international Rail delegates, who presented valuable insight on the Middle East rail infrastructure.

In his presentation, Ali AbdulQader, Maintenance Director of the Rail Agency, highlighted the safety aspect of Dubai Metro.

‘The cost of accidents can be calculated on the basis of the medical treatment involved, the loss of time, income, business interruption, damage to property and environment, and loss of skills etc. RTA's risk management involves bringing together the aspects of interface management, project risk management and system safety management,’ he said.

Dubai Metro has various features which will contribute to its safety and reliability. These include a communication-based train control (CBTC) system, bottom contact conductor rail with insulated covers as used in Metros in Singapore, Italy, Taipei and Oslo, a radio system that integrates the Metro with the emergency services, and rear facing cameras.