Dubai: Thousands of passengers were stranded for nearly an hour at several stations during the evening peak hours as Dubai Metro services on the Red Line were interrupted due to what the officials called a “technical glitch.”

Apparently, train services were disrupted between Nakheel station near Dubai Internet City and Jafliya metro station for nearly an hour as passengers complained of power failures as well at many stations.

“Passengers panicked as nobody had any idea what was the issue and when the service would resume,” said Nadia Mudassir, who was stuck at the Dubai Mall station.

The disruption began around 6pm and many stations were scenes of chaos as the peak hour riders got badly affected.

“I was stuck in a train between Noor Islamic Bank and First Gulf Bank station for nearly 20 minutes and nobody had any clue what was the matter. RTA should at least inform people what is happening and when will the service be restored,” said a frustrated commuter.

Another passenger said he was at Business Bay station when the services were disrupted.

No shuttle services

“The power went off, the foot bridge across Shaikh Zayed road at the Business Bay station was completely dark and there were only emergency lights inside the station. I was stuck inside for 20 minutes and it was total chaos,” said commuter Ali Ahmad.

An official at the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) confirmed disruption of services due to a technical glitch but didn’t elaborate further on the issue.

Many of the stranded passengers complained that there were no shuttle services between stations and commuters had no choice but to wait.