Staff Report www.gulfnews.com
Dubai: The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced that revenue forecasts for 2010 will stand at Dh3.2 billion.
At the same time, the approved budget for RTA expenses this year has been set at Dh10.7 billion.
Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the RTA, revealed that the operational budget stood at Dh2.8 billion while the capital and projects budget stood at Dh7.9 billion.
“The total revenue forecast during 2010 amounts to Dh3.2 billion and the approved projects budget is estimated as Dh7.5 billion, which is allocated for undertaking about 120 projects — 13 of which are new projects relating to roads, marine transport, public transport and operational building projects. The remaining part will cover the completion of 107 projects currently under way,” he said.
He also confirmed that the government was proceeding with its ongoing drive to upgrade Dubai’s infrastructure including roads and transportation projects.
Al Tayer added: “Among the key road projects earmarked for completion or construction during this year is Shaikh Zayed Road’s Parallel Roads Project, which is one of the mega projects undertaken by the RTA. It will extend 108km starting from Shaikh 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 at a total length of 42km.
Dubai Metro
“Another key project is the completion of Dubai Metro — the first stage of which was opened in September 2009.
“Eleven stations are now operational and the remaining stations will be gradually opened shortly.
“Work is also progressing on schedule [on] the construction of the Metro Green Line and will continue [on the] Al Sufouh Tram project comprising two phases extending 14km along Al Sufouh Road.”
“Bus depots at Al Awir, Al Khawaneej, Jebel Ali and Al Ruwiyyah will be completed,” Al Tayer said.
“The RTA will also complete the Bus Tracking System project, which aims at providing ultra-modern top quality services in public transport services in Dubai.
“It provides instant tracking of public buses 24 hours a day while providing communication links with buses to ensure their timely arrival,” Al Tayer added.
