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Two new networks to be added to Metro project

DUBAI — Two new network lines — the Purple and Blue — would soon be added to existing network of two lines of the Dubai Metro project, senior officials of the Rail Agency said here yesterday.

At a Meet and Greet session held at the Roads and Transport Authority yesterday, senior officials from the Dubai Metro Rail Agency said that the Purple Line – also called the Express Line — would be much faster than the Red Line and the Green Line. It would be operational by 2012, they added.

Adnan Al Hammadi, Director of Construction Department, Rail Agency, said that the Purple Line, which is in the bidding stage now, would link the two airports.

“The 49-km line will start from Dubai Airport and end at Jebel Ali Airport, and will have eight stations,” he said adding that the Blue Line was still under study.

The official also asked the public to be patient, especially in Al Ras area where the construction work had increased. “We want people to take Metro and leave their private cars behind to reach office on time and in comfort,” they added.

Abdul Majid Abdul Razzaq Al Khaja, CEO Rail Agency said, “The Green and Blue Line will be useful for tourists and residents because they run through business and big residential areas.”

“The whole project is unique because establishing a two kilometre line in Hong Kong would take four years while we are establishing a 52-km line and 29 stations in a shorter time,” said Al Khaja.

Nearly 25 per cent work on the Red Line has been completed, said Al Hammadi, adding that work on underground stations had also been started. “Tunneling work towards the Bur Juman station will start in January, 2007 while similar work will start on Al Rigga station in February 2007,” he added.

Ali Abdul Qader, Director of Maintenance Department, Rail Agency, said the tenders for the project of maintenance were being invited from companies in Britain, Singapore and Japan. “Metro will be operational only after the Independent Safety Assessor certifies the safety of the project, ” he said adding that the tests would continue for six months.