Metro train begins trial run from Jebel Ali station
Exclusive pictures of Dubai Metro train on test run near Jebel Ali
Dubai: Dubai achieved another milestone as the first Metro train was successfully tested on Monday on part of the Red Line on Shaikh Zayed Road.
Motorists on the busy highway were amazed to see the train running on the track between Jebel Ali Industrial Area Station and the Jebel Ali Free Zone Station at the end of the Red Line.
Many stopped to watch what they have been dreaming of riding in the future.
"This is great. It's like a dream coming true," said Abdullah Abdul Rehman, a UAE national. He added that he would definitely park his car to ride the train.
Businesswoman Kiran Khan said she could not believe her eyes when she saw the train running on the track on her way to office. "It was awesome and I did not hesitate to pull over to watch this wonderful sight," she said.
The driverless train went back and forth several times yesterday during the test run. An official at the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) said the train has been undergoing several tests for the last two weeks and its running on the track was part of the testing procedure.
He said this would continue for the next two to three months.
The test run yesterday was conducted on a right of way of less than a kilometre but it will eventually be extended to a 4-km stretch between Dubal Station (near the sixth interchange) and Jebel Ali Free Zone Station on Shaikh Zayed Road, Gulf News has learnt.
Coaches for the first train were put on the track on April 25. They were assembled and have been undergoing various technical tests.
Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the RTA, which is carrying out the Dh15.5 billion Dubai Metro project, had earlier said that the train would undergo full tests to monitor noise, wobbling and electromechanical compatibility for early detection of any trouble to address problems before passenger service starts on September 9, 2009.
The first stage, called the 'Static Test' phase, involved placing a stationary train on a track and performing tests involving communication systems, signaling systems, power supplies, air-conditioning, on-board electronics and lighting.
"The first tests have been conducted successfully and we are now testing it on the track," said an official.
The second phase is known as the "dynamic test" to run the train on the track without passengers on board.
It involves tests of various systems while the train is in motion, including propulsion and brake tests, load tests, traction power tests, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) tests, automatic train operation (ATO) tests, communication tests and speed tests.
The train is operated with electricity using 'third power track' technology' - meaning the power will be supplied through the track. It operates on 750 volt DC power.
The Rail Agency has already installed the first Main Power Station (MPS-1) to provide electricity to the Red Line. A total of three MPS will be installed for back-up power.
Will the Metro provide a feasible solution to Dubai's traffic problems? Do you have any concerns about the Metro? What are they? Tell us at letter2editor@gulfnews.com or fill in the form below to Send your comments.
The Dubai government has really done wonderful things. They are serving as a role model for Middle East governments. It will definitely reduce traffic jams. Congratulations!
George
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 13, 2008, 15:25
I am waiting to visit Dubai again only to ride on the state-of-the-art metro. I can't wait to take a ride on it. I sincerely hope that it will reduce traffic and complaints about taxi drivers' refusals to carry passengers to desired destinations. I hope the RTA gets the buses-only lanes implemented along with concessions for school and university students, which will encourage people to use public transport.
Jayshree
Sydney,Australia
Posted: May 13, 2008, 15:24
It's really nice to hear about the first test run of the metro. It will definitely help people become free from traffic jams. I think the Dubai government should take the initiative to extend its service to other emirates too.
Manzoor
Thrissur,India
Posted: May 13, 2008, 14:14
Well ... the only thing great about it is that it's going to be a good looking thing, sitting pretty right next to the road. Now comes the reality check. Anyone thought about leaving the station to go home and it dispersing 200 people at once, at a particular station with a shortage of cabs? I guess we need brains with money and infrastructure to tackle this one! Until then, I guess most of the people will just drive!
Ali
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 13, 2008, 12:55
I am about to be shifted to Dubai for employment in July. It's very nice to hear about the start of the metro rail as in Delhi, India. I hope this will reduce the traffic jams. The RTA should make ticket charges affordable to start with. Congratulations to the RTA for their great achievement.
Hariprasad
Mumbai,India
Posted: May 13, 2008, 11:23
Even though I was brought up in Dubai, I'm currently in India completing my higher studies here. I'm planning to be back in Dubai by the end of this year. I can't wait to get back to Dubai simply because of the state of the art Dubai Metro. Love it!
Jeetu
Trivandrum,India
Posted: May 13, 2008, 10:47
Hats off to the Dubai government for the achievement. Waiting for the day the metro will connect all the emirates, especially Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Gazna
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: May 13, 2008, 10:36
It was cool to see the metro trial run on GNTV. When the project is finished it is really going to reduce the bad traffic. It was a challenge to the RTA, and they succeeded in the first phase, I wish them all the best.
Usman
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: May 13, 2008, 10:31
Looks to be a great system with potentially many benefits. Does anyone know about the plans for local transportation to and from peoples homes and offices to the stations? I have read many times of taxi drivers refusing fares for short distances even though I am told this is illegal. Looking forward to the live system!
Kayell
Stockholm,Sweden
Posted: May 13, 2008, 09:54
I was so delighted to see the train running at Jebel Ali. It is really great work and a milestone not only in the history of Dubai and the UAE, but will change the face of life in Dubai, so that it will be a role model to the entire Gulf.
A.S.
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 13, 2008, 09:32
It is a long-time dream come true and is faster and easily accessible. But, as with any other metro city, whether the traffic is reduced by this or not is something we will have to wait and see.
Sharafuddin
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 13, 2008, 09:26
Great! The RTA must also plan adequate park and ride and feeder bus services to each and every station with an integrated fare/smart card.
Sushama
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 13, 2008, 09:07
The RTA is doing a great job. I hope to see most people opt for the metro once it is operational. But that will also depend greatly on metro ticket prices.
Khizer
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 13, 2008, 08:45
After saving for five years to purchase a car, I am not going to buy one after this great successful test and will instead use this money to repair my mother's house.
Louie
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 13, 2008, 08:41
It is wonderful to see the train. However, the tickets should be priced reasonably so that the masses can afford it and, if possible, monthly passes should be issued just like many countries where one does not have to stand in queues to get the tickets.
Mustafa
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 13, 2008, 07:53
The Dubai government has really done wonderful things in the emirates. They are serving as a role model for Middle East governments. It will definitely reduce traffic jams to the lowest term. Kudos to the RTA, you are on the right track.
Allan
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: May 13, 2008, 07:48
I have just seen the first trial run of the metro train on the net and the train looks far better than the ones I have seen in Berlin. Thanks to the Dubai government.
Jerry
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: May 13, 2008, 06:09
It seems a fantastic achievement on the part of the RTA. If they continue the same pace, soon Dubai's traffic problems will be long gone. Thumbs up.
Asim
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 12, 2008, 17:01
Kudos to Dubai Government!
Rashid
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 12, 2008, 16:24
Wow. It is nice to see the train take the first trial run in Dubai. This is a milestone which will definitely reduce the traffic, provided it is economical.
Girish
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 12, 2008, 15:41
Nice. Hats off to Dubai government and RTA.
Noor
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 12, 2008, 15:30
All the best to RTA.
Abu Saleh
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 12, 2008, 15:05
We are a bunch of employees from Danube in Jebel Ali Free Zone; our office faces SZR and we were among the few people who saw the test run of Dubai Metro on the 8th of May. It was pretty slow at about 11am, got faster around 1pm and on the same day, in the evening it picked up good speed. Looks really cool, Cannot wait to take a ride on it.
Danube
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 12, 2008, 15:02
It is a real good thing to hear. Waiting to see the coaches running live through SZR. Cheers for RTA.
Danny
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 12, 2008, 15:01
It is great seeing a metro train in Dubai, wonderful. I hope it will reduce the traffic in Dubai, people who travel in buses will benefit the most.
Abdul
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 12, 2008, 14:52
