Shell-shaped Metro stations start taking shape

Dubai: Stations for the Dh15.5 billion Dubai Metro have started taking shape.

"Construction of the Jebel Ali Industrial Station, which started in October 2007, is already 60 per cent complete," said Engineer Adnan Al Hammadi, Director of Construction Department of Dubai Metro.

He added that round 2,500 workers are currently working on the construction of the stations on the Red Line, which is scheduled to be operational by September 2009.

"All the stations on the elevated section of the Red Line are being built within a curved steel-framed enclosure. Nearly 25,000 tonnes of steel will be used for the steelwork of the stations. Most of it will be fabricated in Malaysia and Singapore and over 3,000 tonnes have already been fabricated, with nearly 1,500 tonnes already been delivered to Dubai," he said.

The Dubai Metro will have some 24 elevated stations along the elevated section of the Red Line. The stations have been designed to reflect the modern metropolis of Dubai.

Distinctive curved roofs are the signature of the new metro, with the elevated station's large shell-shaped roofs evoking the pearl diving heritage.

All stations will be fully air-conditioned with washroom facilities. 'Barrier free' disabled access is provided throughout the stations, including lifts, high visibility signage, visual and audio announcements, wide fare gates and the automated fare collection system with 'smart card' system. All stations and trains will have wi-fi internet facility.