By Amna Ehtesham Khaishgi www.thenational.ae
DUBAI // The announcement that work will start this year on Dubai’s Metro extension was welcomed by residents, although they were divided over whether it will change the travel habits of those living in areas the new line will pass through.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) recently announced that construction of the 15-kilometre extension of Dubai Metro’s Red Line, from Nakheel Harbour and Tower Station to the Expo 2020 site, would begin in the final quarter of this year.
The project is estimated to cost Dh 10.6 billion.
Dubbed Route 2020, it is estimated the new line will be able to carry 46,000 riders per hour in both directions. The extension will have seven stations, five above ground and two underground, with an expansive airplane wing the main design inspiration for the stations.
The project will cover areas such as the Gardens, Discovery Gardens, Al Furjan, Jumeirah Golf Estates, and Dubai Investments Park communities, serving about 270,000 residents and office workers.
Wazir Ali, who works in construction, said he would prefer the Metro over his car to commute to his office in Dubai Investments Park from his home in Deira.
“I spend almost three hours on the road while going to the office and coming back, which is so frustrating. I am anxiously waiting for the Metro.
“The moment it starts operations, I will leave my car and use the Metro,” said the 42-year-old Indian. More info
