DUBAI: Dubai has completed the first phase of tunnel excavation for its Blue Line Metro project, marking another milestone in the expansion of the emirate’s public transport network, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) said.
The RTA said the initial excavation work was completed in just two months using advanced tunnel-boring machines, allowing construction to continue without disrupting traffic on Dubai’s roads.
The 30-kilometre Blue Line will include 14 new metro stations, with nearly half of the route running underground. The project is expected to cost 20.5 billion UAE dirhams.
The new line will connect with the existing Red and Green metro lines and improve transport links to Mirdif, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai Creek Harbour and International City.
Once completed, Dubai’s metro network will expand to 131 kilometres, with the total number of stations increasing to 78 and the train fleet growing to 168.
Dubai authorities said the Blue Line is scheduled to begin operations on Sept. 9, 2029. They expect the new route to carry hundreds of thousands of passengers each day and reduce road traffic by about 20 percent.
