Dubai Metro’s Red Line to get seven new stations for Expo 2020

The Red Line of Dubai's Metro will extend 15 kilometres and add seven new stations from Nakheel Harbour and Tower Metro Station to the site of Expo 2020, it was announced on Saturday.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has endorsed the Route 2020 Project, encompassing the extension of the Red Line of the Dubai Metro from Nakheel Harbour and Tower Metro Station to the site of Expo 2020. Courtesy RTA

DUBAI // The Dubai Metro will be extended by 15 kilometres, with seven new stations leading to the site of Expo 2020 and 4km of underground rail.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, on Saturday approved the Route 2020 project for the Metro Red Line and ordered that the building start immediately.

Sheikh Mohammed said the project must be finished in time to cater for the increased number of passengers expected for Expo 2020, which will take place in the region for the first time.

The total length of the Dubai Metro, red and green lines, will be increased to 90km. Two of the seven new stations, from Nakheel Harbour and Tower Metro to the Expo site, will be underground.

“The construction of Route 2020 project conforms to the strategic vision of the Dubai Government for achieving sustainable development, and developing a world-class infrastructure and services,” said Mattar Al Tayer, chairman and executive director of the Roads and Transport Authority.

“It also comes as implementation of RTA’s master plan for providing multiple options of integrated mass transit comprising the Metro, tram, buses and water transport towards realising RTA’s vision of safe and smooth transport for all.

“The RTA has mapped out an integrated plan for roads and transport projects to serve Expo highlighted by Route 2020 project.”

Mr Al Tayer said the plan was for a sustainable project to serve the city during and after Expo 2020.

“It also serves the largest possible number of residents as well as current and future projects, easing snarls on some congested roads, providing top-class service to targeted communities and integrating with public transit systems and the roads network in the emirate.”

Route 2020 will serve the Gardens, Discovery Gardens, Furjan, Jumeirah Golf Estates, and Dubai Investments Park, which are home to about 240,000 people.

A journey from Dubai Marina to the site of Expo will take 16 minutes, Mr Al Tayer said.

He said the RTA was due to hold a workshop this month for consultants and contractors specialised in rail projects, to show parts of the Route 2020 project.

The project is expected to be released for tenders in July.