Dubai: Emaar Properties on Wednesday unveiled plans for a Dh500 million advanced tram system for its Dh73 billion ($20 billion) Downtown Burj Dubai flagship project.
"The 4.6 km Downtown Burj Dubai Tram System tramway has a development value of Dh500 million, and will be the first of its kind in Dubai by offering two synchronized services within one tram transportation system," a company statement said.
The Downtown Burj Dubai Tram System will provide sustainable links for users to and from the development with Dubai Metro in a timely, comfortable and affordable way. The system, thus, creates an efficient transportation network to meet the demands of a mixed-use neighbourhood comprising over 30,000 homes, residential towers, nine world-class hotels and over 3.77 million sq ft of retail space.
“Transportation is universally regarded as the top mega-city infrastructure challenge, which also has the biggest impact on any project's competitiveness,'' said Mr Mohamed Ali Alabbar, Chairman, Emaar Properties. “Congestion costs have a critical bearing on any project's overall growth as well as the environment. It is imperative to have an efficient transportation infrastructure in place to drive the progress of any mega-project.''
Phase 1 of the project will feature a 1.1 km twin track express link shuttle service line operating between the Burj Place interchange station with Dubai Metro and The Dubai Mall with an intermediate stop at a new hotel development, currently being planned. The one-way journey time will be 2-3 minutes with 1-2 minutes between trams. It is scheduled to be operational by end of 2009.
Phase 2 of the project will feature a 4.6 km full loop, single track mono directional, clockwise, commuter service operating from and to the Burj Place interchange station with Dubai Metro. It will service all ten stations that network the 500-acre development featuring some of the world's architectural milestones such as Burj Dubai, the world's tallest building, and The Dubai Mall, one of the world's largest shopping and entertainment destinations. The complete one-way journey time will be approximately 8 minutes. This phase is scheduled to be fully operational in 2010.
