Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has endorsed the ‘Masar 2020' Project, encompassing the extension of the Red Line of the Dubai Metro from Nakheel Harbour & Tower Metro Station to the site of Expo 2020.

The extended sector of the metro line stretches 15 km and includes seven stations.

Sheikh Mohammed directed to start the project construction works immediately, and to complete it on the fixed timeline at high-class finishing serving the needs of the projected demographic growth and the hosting of Expo 2020.

Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) said, "The construction of Masar 2020 project conforms to the strategic vision of the Dubai Government for achieving sustainable development, and developing a world-class infrastructure & services. It also comes as practical implementation of RTA's Master Plan for providing multiple options of integrated mass transit means comprising the metro, tram, buses and water transport towards realising RTA's vision of Safe and Smooth Transport for All.

"Masar 2020 project will offer a safe and smooth mobility to visitors of Expo 2020 and residents of the neighbourhood as well. It stands out as a vital transit corridor linking various Dubai districts with Al Maktoum International Airport, an icon of a new important development phase in the history of Dubai, and a symbol of sustainability, advancement and creativity for current & future generations," he said.

"The RTA has mapped out an integrated plan for roads and transport projects to serve Expo highlighted by Masar 2020 project. The plan is meant to achieve sustainability of the project and accordingly the path is planned to link Expo site with a number of vital projects and locations in the area. In this regard the RTA has coordinated with all developers and government entities in working out the proposed paths of the metro to ensure that Masar 2020 will support vital areas in the present and future.

"The RTA has examined different options of Masar 2020 and assessed their effectiveness and impact on the neighbourhood based on a host of technical perimeters that include the enhancement of the development plans in Dubai. It also serves the largest possible number of residents as well as current & future projects, easing snarls on some congested road sectors, providing top class service to targeted communities, and integrating with public transit systems and roads network in the Emirate.

"Masar 2020 starts off Nakheel Harbour and Tower Metro Station and extends 15 km (11 km elevated and four km underground), and includes seven stations (5 elevated, and 2 underground stations). The project serves densely with average-to-high population density such as the Gardens, Discovery Gardens, Furjan, Jumeirah Golf Estate, and the Dubai Investment Park. These communities are inhabited by about 240 thousand persons and the journey from the Dubai Marina to the site of Expo will take 16 minutes," explained Al Tayer.

RTA Chairman of the Board and Executive Director stated that the RTA would hold this month a workshop for consultants & contractors specialised in rail projects where it would exhibit various components of Masar 2020 project. As per the timeline set, the project is expected to be released for tendering next July.
Source: WAM