20/12/2024
is set to make public transport history once again with the announcement of the , slated to begin operations on September 9, 2029. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) revealed this landmark development on Thursday, marking a nostalgic nod to the city’s public transit legacy.
The date carries historical significance, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the Dubai Metro’s original inauguration on 9-9-2009 at 9:09 PM, a moment that heralded a new era for urban transport in the city.
A Dh20.5 billion contract has been awarded to a consortium of international construction leaders, including Turkey’s Mapa and Limak and China’s CRRC, to bring this ambitious project to life. Spanning 30 kilometers and featuring 14 state-of-the-art stations, the Blue Line promises to enhance connectivity, reduce congestion, and transform Dubai’s transit ecosystem.
The new metro line is expected to serve 200,000 passengers daily upon launch in 2030, with ridership projected to rise to 320,000 by 2040. The line’s design allows for a peak hourly capacity of 46,000 passengers in both directions, alleviating traffic congestion along its route by an estimated 20%.
“The Blue Line is a major step in advancing Dubai’s public transportation network, reflecting our commitment to sustainable, efficient, and innovative urban development,” an RTA spokesperson said.
With 28 trains operating across its 30-kilometer stretch, the Blue Line aims to seamlessly integrate with existing metro lines, providing improved access for commuters across Dubai. The new line is set to cater to the growing population and increasing demand for reliable public transit options.