Dubai Metro expansion latest: Red Line to Al Warqa’a?

Dubai: The Dubai Metro is likely to reach Al Warqa’a if a recent proposal that is currently being studied by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is approved, Gulf News can confirm.

The authorities have already approved expansion of both Red and Green Lines before Expo 2020, however, RTA engineers are currently finalising the exact routes for extensions.

The world’s largest driverless rail network is set to expand by around 40 kilometres – 20.6 kilometres on the Green Line and 18.5 kilometres on the Red Line. However, depending on the route selected, the distance of extension on the Red Line could vary slightly.

According to Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of RTA, upgrading the Metro network for Expo 2020 is the highest priority of RTA right now.

As part of the planned expansion, to be ready before 2020, the length of the Green Line will almost double from the current 22.5 kilometres and the Red Line will be extended from both ends by up to 20 kilometres.

“There are three to four route proposals for the extension of the Red Line from Jebel Ali to the Expo 2020 site. We have finalised the destination but the routes are being studied and, depending on which route is approved, the extension on the southern end of the Red Line could vary,” said an RTA official who is aware of the plans.

He also added that there was another proposal for the connection to the Expo 2020 site, which was to draw out a branch from somewhere in the middle of the Red Line rather than starting it from the current end point, which the board didn’t approve.

At the other end of the Red Line, the approved extension is from Rashidiya to Mirdif City Centre, which is 3.5 kilometres with one new station. However, the official said that there is a proposal to extend it further to Al Warqa’a, which is currently being studied.

Interestingly, on the Green Line, the extension plan of 20.6 kilometres from Jaddaf to Academic City has been finalised. The extension will snake through Festival City, Lagoons, Ras Al Khor Industrial Area, International City as well as Silicon Oasis and Dubai Academic City.

The number of stations on both lines combined is expected to increase to 70 from the current 47, with 11 new stations planned on the Green Line and 12 on the Red Line.

According to plans, the Green Line is also expected to pass via Meydan in Nad Al Sheba on its way to Academic City.

As the route for the Green Line is being worked out, RTA engineers are studying the feasibility of a possible connectivity to the Meydan station of Etihad Rail.

The union rail network, which is set to complete phase one by 2017, is also expected to connect with the Red Line of Dubai Metro at Al Maktoum International Airport.

All the proposed extensions will be ready before Expo 2020.