Key Highlights

  • UAE Exchange, Damac Properties and Dubai Internet City Metro stations are upgraded to cope with the rising number of commuters
  • 40% of work is completed for upgradation and expansion of these stations.

As per a recent announcement by Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai, the upgradation work of 3 stations on Dubai Metro Red Line has reached 40% completion status. These stations are UAE Exchange, Damac Properties and Dubai Internet City.

Expansion of facilities and the increasing number of passengers are the two major reasons that are cited for this upgradation. Quick completion of this project is highly anticipated by residents of properties in Dubai as it will allow them to commute easily.

RTA released the latest statistics that depict the growing number of commuters in the city. According to these statistics, passengers using shared mobility means and public transport has reached 594 million in the year 2019. The figure stood at 589 million in 2018. Similarly, the per day average of people using public transport has also accentuated. In 2018, 1.61 million riders used public transport in Dubai. However, in 2019, this figure has jumped to 1.63 million.

Public transport means in Dubai include Metro, public buses, e-hail vehicles, tram, marine transport, taxis, and smart car rental vehicles. Among them, Dubai Metro is the most used means of transit as 34% of total users prefer it over other means. It is followed closely by taxis that account for 30%. Meanwhile, public buses (26%) are also reported to be  preferred by passengers.

In 2019, 202.98 million people used Dubai Metro Green and Lines to reach their destinations. Among all the stations, Burjuman and Union had the maximum riders amounting to 12.76 million and 10.6 million respectively.

Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors and Director-General of RTA, Matter Mohammed Al Tayer, is of the view that the upgradation and improvement of these stations and surrounding infrastructure is in line with RTA’s aim to enhance the commuting experience of cyclists and pedestrians. It will provide them with a safe and smooth commuting experience, particularly during peak hours.

As part of this upgrade project, UAE Exchange station will have an additional Eastern entrance. It will make the arrival of riders at the said station more convenient and hassle-free. Similarly, a new Western entrance is being set up at Dubai Internet City station. It will improve the link between Dubai Marina Tram Station and Damac Station. These stations will be able to accommodate an increasing number of riders as a huge number of residents of Damac Hills villas and surrounding areas use Metro for commuting purposes.

Other than new entrances, pedestrian crossings, landscaping, shaded rest areas, and signage will also be constructed on these stations.

The expansion and upgradation of these three stations is a part of a master plan that aims to enhance the infrastructure of a total of 40 stations including metro and marine transport by 2025. As per this master plan, links between different stations and surrounding destinations (urban and tourist) that fall in the radius of 500m will be improved.

According to Al Tayer, these selections were picked after considering different vital factors including population density, the number of riders, surrounding areas’ geographical distribution etc. Once completed, this project will provide pedestrians, drivers and cyclists with a safe, convenient and smooth accessibility.

Follow Us