RTA seeks contractors for Dubai Metro Blue line

Dubai’s Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) has issued a notice seeking expressions of interest from contractors for the new design and build of the new Blue Line for the Dubai Metro network. 

The project is expected to cost several billion dollars to develop and is one of Dubai’s largest upcoming infrastructure schemes requiring international contractors to work in a joint venture with local partners. 

The design and build contractor will be responsible for all civil works, electromechanical works, rolling stock and rail systems. The contractor will assist in maintenance and operations for an initial three-year period after the project is completed.

The Blue line will connect the existing Red and Green lines. It will have a total length of 30 kilometres (km), 15.5 km of which will be underground and 14.5 km above ground. The line will also have fourteen stations, seven of which are elevated, including one iconic station, five underground stations, including one interchange station, and two elevated transfer stations connected to the existing Centrepoint and Creek stations.

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The scope of the contract also includes the supply of 28 new driverless trains, the construction of a depot to accommodate up to 60 trains, and the construction of all associated roads, facilities and utility diversion works.

The detailed scope of work for the project includes:

• Civil works, including detailed design and construction of architectural and structural components (viaducts, tunnels, stations, etc.).
• The design and execution of electromechanical works.
• The design, procurement and delivery of operation and control systems for rail, stations, and facilities.
• The design, manufacturing, and supply of rolling stock.

RTA has invited contractors to express their interest by 24 November. 

Planning for growth

The Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan was launched in March 2021. The launch of the plan referenced studies that said the population of the emirate is expected to be 5.8 million by 2040, up from 3.3 million in 2020, while the daytime population is set to increase from 4.5 million in 2020 to 7.8 million in 2040. 

In December 2022, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai approved the 20-Minute City Policy as part of the second phase of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. 

The metro extension is part of Dubai’s plans to improve residents’ quality of life by cutting journey times as outlined in the policy.

The aim of the policy is for residents to have 80 per cent of their daily requirements within a 20-minute journey time, on foot or by bicycle. This goal will be achieved by developing integrated service centres with all the necessary facilities and increasing the population density around mass transit stations.