Dubai: Progress in the much-awaited Al Sufouh tram project has entered the final phase as 70 per cent of the construction on the landmark development has been completed, a senior Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) official told Gulf News.
The 14.6-km-long transit system that serves Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai Marina and Al Sufouh neighbourhoods, is expected to be ready for operations by November 2014.
According to RTA officials, the majority of the track works are completed, while cabling has just begun in what is going to be the world’s first tramway project powered by a ground-based electric supply system extending all along the track.
“More than 13,000 metres of tracks have been laid already, which includes the operational as well as depot tracks, amounting to 70 per cent of civil work,” said Adnan Al Hammadi, CEO of RTA’s Rail Agency.
He added that most of design works have been done, while half of system works have been completed.
“We are on track to begin the operations by the end of next year. Most work on tracks and stations will be completed before we receive the first set of trains in December enabling us to start trial runs,” said Al Hammadi.
Revealing details of the operation plans Al Hammadi said that trams and traffic will meet at 30 locations but the trams will not interrupt traffic at any point.
“Trams will have right of way but there will be no obstruction to traffic movement. Routes and tracks have been designed to ensure there are no contact between trams and vehicles. Pavements have been designed to be elevated to fend off vehicles access or crossing into the tramway as per the approved specifications,” he stated.
Powered by electricity, the Al Sufouh trams are not only eco-friendly but it will also be low on noise and vibration.
“The trams will have a daily power consumption of 29,000 kilo-watt hours and importantly the cooling system powered by R-407C refrigerant gas is ozone-friendly, which makes the project one of the most eco-friendly in the world,” said Al Hammadi.
There is other equipment used in the trams that help improve Dubai’s green image, like the brake pads that are asbestos free and make less noise.
Work on the key transit project that will be connected with Dubai Metro at three stations along Shaikh Zayed Road via footbridges, is being carried out in two phases with the phase one extending 10.6 kilometres to begin operations late next year. The tramway also links with the Monorail of The Palm Jumeirah.
The initial phase, to be served by 11 stations, will stretch between Dubai Marina and the Tram Depot near the Dubai Police Academy.
Each of the 11 stations that will be in operation during phase one will measure 44 metres and will be first tram stations in the world to be fitted with platform screen doors separating the tram carriages from passengers terminal. All stations will have central air-conditioning systems and will be served by automated fare collection machines.
The trams — 11 in number — for phase one will begin to arrive in December this year, The locomotives, which are currently being tested by the manufacturers Alstom in France, comprise seven cabins: one gold cabin, two cabins for ladies and children, and four silver class cabins.
The tramway is expected to carry about 27,000 riders per day at the start of operations in 2014 and ridership is touted to hit up to 66,000 riders per day by 2020.
The next phase of the project will see the addition of six more stations to the network.
