According to recent information, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is planning to expand the Dubai Metro network by adding a new 30-kilometer route, known as the "Blue Line." This expansion is aimed at accommodating the rapid economic and urban growth in Dubai and will serve as a link between the existing Red and Green Metro lines.

The Blue Line will have a total length of 30 kilometers, with approximately 15.5 kilometers running underground and 14.5 kilometers above ground. It will feature 14 stations, including seven elevated stations, one iconic station, five underground stations (including an interchange station), and two elevated transfer stations connected to the existing Centrepoint station in Rashidiya (the eastern terminus of the Red Line) and the Creek station in Al Jaddaf (the southern terminus of the Green Line).

While the specific route, cost, and project timeline have not been disclosed, the tender for potential suppliers and contractors includes the provision of 28 new driverless trains. Additionally, it involves the construction of a new depot capable of accommodating up to 60 trains, along with the development of associated roads, facilities, and utility diversion works.

The winning contractor, joint venture, or consortium for the Blue Line extension will be responsible for various aspects of the project, including civil works, detailed design and construction of architectural and structural components (such as viaducts, tunnels, and stations), electromechanical works, operation and control systems for rail, stations, and facilities, and the design, manufacturing, and supply of rolling stock.

Dubai Metro, which initially commenced operations on September 9, 2009, is renowned as the world's longest driverless metro network, covering a total length of 89.3 kilometers. It serves as a cornerstone of Dubai's public transport system, having catered to over 2 billion passengers in the past 14 years.

With 129 trains in its fleet, Dubai Metro has maintained an impressive punctuality rate of 99.7 percent and exceeded international safety standards in terms of operational efficiency. It plays a vital role in Dubai's vision to increase the share of driverless public transport to 30 percent by 2030.

Currently, there are 53 stations across the Red and Green Lines. The most recent extension project is Route 2020, which operates from Jebel Ali Station on the Red Line to Dubai Expo City and commenced operations on January 1, 2021.

The Blue Line expansion aligns with Dubai's 2040 Urban Plan, launched in March 2021, which anticipates a population increase to 5.8 million by 2040, up from 3.3 million in 2020. To accommodate this growth, a comprehensive plan for sustainable urban development is required, making the Blue Line an essential part of Dubai's future transportation infrastructure. 

A central focus of the Dubai 2040 Urban Plan is enhancing mobility. This strategy aims to position 55 percent of residents within an 800-meter radius of mass transit stations, ensuring that they can access 80 percent of their daily needs within a 20-minute commute, including walking or cycling.

By increasing population density around mass transit stations, the Blue Line initiative is part of the Metro rail network expansion designed to address the swift economic and urban growth in Dubai. This project is geared toward improving connectivity to Dubai's primary urban centers and promoting connections between key hubs of economic and social activities. This information is based on the tender issued by the RTA.

Companies interested in participating in the Blue Line project must submit their comprehensive proposals by November 24.