Source:Â www.ameinfo.com
H.E. Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), revealed that the aggregate approved budget for RTA expenses in 2010 is Dhs10.741bn, of which Dhs2.835bn is Operational Budget, and Dhs7.906bn is Capital and Project Budget.
“Total revenue forecast during 2010 amounts to Dhs3.276bn and the approved projects budget is estimated as Dhs7.5bn allocated for undertaking about 120 projects; 13 of which are new projects relating to roads, marine transport, public transport and operational building projects, and the remaining part will cover the completion of 107 projects currently underway,” said Al Tayer.
He added that 46% of the budget will be allocated to Rail Agency, 29% to Roads and Traffic and Roads Agency, 13% to Public Transport Agency and the remaining 12% of the budget will be allocated to licensing and marine agencies as well as Corporate Support Services.
H. E. Mattar Al Tayer confirmed that the Government of Dubai is proceeding with its ongoing drive to upgrade the infrastructure, including roads and transportation projects, out of a solid belief that investment in infrastructure is the core driver of any cosmopolitan city.
“In 2010 RTA will complete the construction of the undergoing projects and engage in a host of other fresh ones as well. Among the key projects underway is the completion of Dubai Metro Project, the first stage of which was opened in September 2009 with 11 stations are now operational and the remaining stations will be gradually opened shortly. Work is progressing on schedule in the construction of the Metro Green Line as well, and will continue in Al Safouh Tram project comprising two phases extending 14 km along Al Safouh Road,” he added.
“Among the key road projects earmarked for completion or construction during this year is Sheikh Zayed Road’s Parallel Roads Project; which is one of the mega projects undertaken by the RTA, extending 108 km starting from Sheikh Rashid Road in the North and stretching southward up to the outskirts of Abu Dhabi Emirate. The project comprises flyovers and at grade interchanges at junctions with crossing roads in a total length of 42 km,” noted Al Tayer.
He further elaborated, “RTA will also complete Al Khail Road Improvement Project; which is one of the key projects; serving as an extension of the Business Bay Crossing through which RTA is intending to develop road corridors supporting to Sheikh Zayed Road and Emirates Road; which are currently handling huge traffic volumes. RTA will also undertake several other miscellaneous road widening and improvement projects and internal road projects to serve the residential districts of the Emirate.”
As regards public transport RTA Chairman of the Board and Executive Director said that RTA would continue upgrading mass transportation infrastructure. In particular, he said, “Bus Depots at Al Awir, Al Khawaneej, Jebel Ali and Al Rawiyyah will be completed. RTA will also complete the Bus Tracking System project; which aims at providing ultra-modern top quality services in public transport services in Dubai Emirate. It provides instant tracking of public buses 24 hours a day, providing communication and link with buses, thus ensuring timely arrival of buses to their destinations. The system facilitates bus management through a Central Control Unit; where the attending staff can make any modifications to ensure the timely deployment of buses in their routes.”
“RTA will also proceed with upgrading of marine transport modes including water taxi, ferry and stations,” said Al Tayer in a concluding remark.
