After many
years into development, thousands of peoples hard work later, Dubai Metro
is ready to deliver.
The
discussion forums in Dubai social networks are centered on a single spot,
Dubai Metro. In offices and public places people speak the advantages of
the world’s biggest driverless Metro Rail Project, going to be functional
on the symbolic date of 09-09-09. The media in Dubai is focusing this as
one of the major achievements. Dubai would never be the same again after
the trains move on its Metro Rail Network.
The
historic arena of Dubai has been a dream land for many tourists across the
world. The skyscrapers and multi-storied high tech buildings marked the
wonders of modern engineering and architecture. Being the vibrant world of
international media and Information Technology, Dubai’s recent progress
has been a role model for other Middle East countries.
Even as the
economic downturn reduced the volume of Dubai’s growth rate, one of the
Middle East’s top destination, didn’t compromise on developmental
projects. While Dubai is quickly moving to the newer heights of
sustainable development, one of the major drawback has been its road
traffic. Commuters have been facing traffic chaos since many years.
Traffic blockade has been a real mess for Dubai. People who go by car for
work and return to their home by car, suffer many hardships. Many people
lost hours on road in traffic trap. The overspill lead to bemused driving
which made accidents common.
The new hubs
of technology and job opportunities have been searching for a solution to
its comfortable mobility. Foreigners in large number stay and work in
Dubai for decades and recently the number of immigrants have surpassed
proportionally. To many expatriates Dubai for whom Dubai is like a second
home, now it is the time of ripening the dream through Dubai Metro. Dubai
need not go behind any other great cities of the world. Dubai Metro Rail
is the solution for many of its developmental setbacks. Electric trains
with state of the art of modern technology, well-furnished infrastructure,
people friendly convenience etc. have been the specialty of this big
project.
Wifi, Mobile
access through out the Metro journey would be exciting to passengers,
especially the youth. Women and children will have special cabins.
“I think
this is going to work. NYC and Chicago made it to the top before. Now it
is Dubai's turn…”this is one of the posts on You Tube on Dubai Metro.
Paul
Anderson, managing director, Serco Dubai Metro, said “Born of vision and
necessity, the impact of the metro on Dubai’s populace and visitors in
terms of traveling habits and mobility in general will help shape the
emirate’s socio-economic future.”
The Middle
East’s first automated- driverless Metro system are electric trains with
Gold class cabin, panoramic view from the front, wide leather seats, and
carpet flooring are now awaiting the passengers. Dedicated Metro police
and other security personnel would be serving the Dubai Metro travelers.
Tactile guidance path would be a blessing for visually impaired travelers.
With automatic Train Protection system, Wayside Obstacle Detection, Front
and rear cameras, Dubai Metro is the world’s most technologically advanced
rail systems.
The fully
integrated transport system caters for buses, taxis and private cars.
Three large parking facilities are located in Rashidiya, Nakheel Harbor
and Tower on the Red Line. Tickets can be bought from Ticket Vending
Machines or authorized agency. State of the art system provides various
services to the passengers like retail outlets, banks, coffee shops and
restaurants.
A single
five carriage train can accommodate 643 passengers. The speed range of the
train is between 45 to 95 kilo meters per hour. There are first aid
centers at stations with trained staffs. Emergency Call Box is located
inside the train for passengers to communicate with station staff in
emergency situation.
Eco-
friendly system will reduce pollution. There will be two lines known as
Red and Green Line, Red line run from near Dubai Airport to Jebel Ali.
While Green line runs from Al Ghusais to Jeddaff. Green line is not being
opened at the moment and it is expected join the Dubai Metro network by
June 2010 adding many more stations.
The success
of this big project depends on the attitude of car crazy people. Still
many say they would prefer cars than Metro trains. But many low-paid
expatriates who depend on public transport are the excited group.
According to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), 88% of the 1 million
vehicles registered in Dubai are cars and buses.
Dubai began
building the Metro Rail Project in 2005. It has been awarded to Japan’s
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The Metro will be operated and maintained by
UK support services firm Serco. The project is financially guaranteed by
Dubai government. The building of the Dubai Metro cost around 28 billion
Dh.
Dubai
citizens as well as the expatriate community who have been contributing in
large number to Dubai’s development are excited to witness and celebrate
the historic run of Dubai Metro.
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