The extension to Dubai’s Red Line, connecting the existing metro line with the Expo 2020 site, has opened. Known as Route 2020, the inauguration took place on 7 July 2020.
Construction of the line extension began in July 2016. The work was done by the Alstom-led ExpoLink consortium, which included ACCIONA and Gülermak. The extension measures 15km in length, 11.8km of which are above ground, 3.2km below. There is also a new interchange on the Red Line. Route 2020 has seven metro stations in total, the terminus being Jabel Ali Station at the Expo site. The total project cost 2.6 billion euros.
Alstom was responsible for integrating the entire metro system, including 50 Metropolis trainsets. Alstom manufactured these at its Polish site in Katowice. Each five-car train is 85.5m long with a total capacity of 696 passengers. The trains feature a full electrical braking system.
The power supply, communication, signalling, automatic ticket control, track works, platform screen doors and a three-year warranty on the entire system were also part of Alstom’s remit. Alstom also performed enhancement works to the existing metro line. It upgraded the power supply, signalling systems, and track works.
“We are extremely proud to have delivered the world’s fastest built turnkey metro project. The Route 2020 project shows Dubai’s commitment to offer its residents and visitors a state-of-the-art rail network system, and we remain committed to providing the RTA with the utmost support in their journey towards greener and smarter mobility.”
The metro is not the only project Alstom has worked on in Dubai. Alstom also delivered Dubai’s tram, supplying, among other things, its Citadis rolling stock.
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