DUBAI // Details about the Route 2020 project with seven new Metro stations and extending to the Expo 2020 site were presented before international companies, rail contractors, suppliers of trains and equipment.
The project also includes a future plan to construct three stations to serve Al Maktoum International Airport, according to Mattar Al Tayer, executive director of the Roads and Transport Authority. He spoke to more than 300 executives representing over 100 contractors and suppliers of technology, communication and rail equipment during a recent gathering in Dubai.
Construction work on the Route 2020 project will begin when the contract is awarded in the first quarter of 2016, Mr Al Tayer said.
The 2020 project stretches about 15 kilometres and starts from Nakheel Harbour and Tower Metro Station on the Red Line with 4km underground. Of the seven stations, five will be elevated.
“The presence of international firms is a great start of this project that is set to provide safe and smooth transport to visitors of Expo and several districts of Dubai as well,” Mr Al Tayer said. “It will also act as a vital link between various areas of Dubai and Al Maktoum International Airport in future.”
The RTA meeting was also attended by ambassadors and consuls of eight countries.
Outlining the timeline, Mr Al Tayer said pre-qualification requests about the project will be received by the RTA from May 31. t=The authority will then release tender documents on July 2, proposals will be submitted to the RTA starting December 6 and on January 28, 2016, an announcement of the consortium winning the project will be made.
The project will also serve areas with high-density population such as the Gardens, Discovery Gardens, Furjan, Jumeirah Golf Estate and the Dubai Investment Park covering about 240,000 residents.
“The project is set to be accomplished in the first quarter of 2020 such that it will be up-and-running to serve visitors of Expo 2020,” Mr Al Tayer said.
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