UAE | Traffic and Transport

Pride and happiness for Metro workers

With only a day remaining until the official launch of the Dubai Metro, workers who have been toiling for years to make Dubai's mass transit system a reality expressed pride and happiness that they will finally get to see the trains running.

  • By Sunita Menon Staff Reporter
  • Published: 23:06 September 7, 2009
  • Gulf News

  • Image Credit: Ahmed Ramzan/Gulf News
  • A worker gives the Dubai Metro's tracks a thorough wash as preparations for Wednesday's opening of the Red line continue in full swing.

Dubai: With only a day remaining until the official launch of the Dubai Metro, workers who have been toiling for years to make Dubai's mass transit system a reality expressed pride and happiness that they will finally get to see the trains running.

These men were hired by various companies and hail from countries like India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Thailand, Pakistan and China.

Video: Metro workers talk about the big launch

Gulf News spoke to some of these workers who were busy putting finishing touches to the Metro stations on the run-up to tomorrow's official inauguration of one of Dubai's key transport systems which is expected to cut traffic congestion and make commuting economical and faster .

Some were seen spraying water and cleaning the rooftops at Metro stations while those on the ground were working on stairs, and carrying out electrical works.

Almost all who spoke have made plans to ride the Metro with their friends on weekends. Some sounded convinced that facilities provided for passengers at various Metro stations across Dubai will be the best in the world.

Those who expressed their opinions preferred not to be named.

A worker from Nepal said that he is thrilled to see the trains going up and down the tracks.

"I feel good when I see a train passing by on its trial run. I have a colleague who has worked for the Metro system in Malaysia and he is now working with us."

According to him the Metro in Dubai will be far better than that in Malaysia.

"I plan to ride on the Metro with my roommates and colleagues at work on weekends. After all, I have worked for it and want to know how it feels," he said.

An Indian worker, asked whether he is relieved to see the Metro taking off said: "Of course! The work has been going on for four long years. I am quite excited and can't wait to get on the train and take a ride, but that will happen only on my day off."

His colleague and compatriot said he was first designated to work at the Metro sites in Deira, but was transferred to Shaikh Zayed Road only recently.

"This is the best thing that has happened. Most of the work is completed," he said. "Only finishing touches are being undertaken. I am currently working on getting some work on the stairs that take people to the station."

A Bangladeshi worker said that he will ride the Metro after his work is completed.

"I have a year and a half left and once that is done I will take a ride on the Metro and enjoy the view of the city. It's starting on the September 9. I feel happy about it. We worked for four years; the government has finished most of the work."


Your comments


Happy to see dubai in a new era of transportation, A great efforts and pride to all the workers, engineers and all the employees who worked very hard, day and night to brings us the Dubai Metro Train.
Herold
Pampanga,Philippines
Posted: September 08, 2009, 15:57

there are also workers /employees from countries ie Malaysia ,Japan, Korea and others ,for Metro station project.
Vincent Fong
Kuala Lumpur,Malaysia
Posted: September 08, 2009, 15:39

Something special should be done to the workers. They are the real unsung heroes and are always behind the scenes, although they are the most important.
Mohammad Adham
Colombo,Sri Lanka
Posted: September 08, 2009, 15:11

waiting to see trains passing through Dubai roads. salute to the workers who did it on time working outside in this very hot climate. metro authorities, keep a day for them and take for a free trip in the train before the train gets too busy.
Varghese
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 08, 2009, 14:08

i am really happy to see metro is starting on wednesday. it is my unfortunate that im not there to see it. really it was my dream to ride on first day of start. i really salute to honourable sheikh mohammad to achieve another mile stone. i really pray for dubai to achieve the peak in world.
Dili Jan Ujjan
Karachi,Pakistan
Posted: September 08, 2009, 14:06

The Employees of Metro should be the first to test ride the Dubai Metro to show confidence in the project they completed.
Rene
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 08, 2009, 13:13

I was a resident of Dubai for many years and returned to India last year... I wish I could witness this dream come true event...I share my happiness over the launch of Metro with Dubai people.. it is indeed a great feeling.
Ravi Menon
Karnataka,India
Posted: September 08, 2009, 13:13

All workers should be provided with free ride as JOY-RIDE. It's them - Who made this possible against all odds. CONGRATULATIONS TO THESE WORKERS
Dharam Nayar
Singapore,Singapore
Posted: September 08, 2009, 12:39

Hats off to all the workers and engineers who spend their strength and brains to make the metro a reality. Feel proud that workers also did a good job to make the dream come true..Waiting for a ride in the metro....
MONICA DEEPAK
Adudhabi,United Arab Emirates
Posted: September 08, 2009, 12:35

It is commendable to see that these workers toiled for years to make this happen. These unsung heroes should get a free pass to ride the metro.
Juliet
Dubai,UAE
Posted: September 08, 2009, 12:30

Great to give credit for the workers who toil in all temperatures and at all hours to get projects completed.
Bill Harper
London,UK
Posted: September 08, 2009, 10:37

Salutation to all the real heroes of metro who had worked days and nights to make this dream come true in real and i am sure the start of metro will make every one in UAE feel proud.
Shahzad
RAK,UAE
Posted: September 08, 2009, 09:44

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