RTA completes Al Shindagha Corridor Development Project in Dubai, inaugurates fifth and final bridge
11 May 2025 12:12
DUBAI (ALETIHAD)The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has inaugurated the fifth and final bridge as part of the Sheikh Rashid Road and Al Mina Street intersection development project. With this milestone, the RTA has completed all phases of Al Shindagha Corridor Development Project in Bur Dubai, ensuring uninterrupted traffic flow from Al Garhoud Bridge towards Port Rashid, via Infinity Bridge, and onward to the Waterfront Market, and vice versa.The completed phases have reduced travel time along the corridor from 80 minutes to just 12 minutes.The corridor serves Deira and Bur Dubai, as well as several major development projects, including Dubai Islands, Dubai Waterfront, Dubai Maritime City, and Port Rashid.The total population served by the project is estimated at one million.The corridor's development facilitates free-flowing traffic along the entire route, increasing capacity from 6,400 vehicles per hour to 24,000 vehicles per hour.It will also reduce travel time from 104 minutes to just 16 minutes by 2030, while enhancing road safety. The projected economic benefit from reduced travel time is valued at Dh45 billion over 20 years.
The RTA has also recently inaugurated the final bridge within the Sheikh Rashid Road and Al Mina Street intersection development project. The project comprised the construction of five bridges, with a total length of 3.1 kilometres, and a combined traffic capacity of approximately 19,400 vehicles per hour across all lanes.
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The line is also home to the largest underground interchange station in the network, spanning over 44,000 square metres with a projected capacity of 350,000 passengers per day. Notably, the Blue Line is the first transport project in Dubai to fully comply with green building standards, achieving Platinum Category certification. 50,000 University Students The Dubai Metro Blue Line was meticulously planned with sustainability in mind, ensuring it connects existing and future high population densities, estimated to reach around one million residents by 2040. Key areas served by the Blue Line include Dubai Creek Harbour and Dubai Festival City, noted for their immense development potential, as well as International City, home to Dragon Mart and large residential complexes visited by over 200,000 residents and visitors. It also serves residential neighbourhoods like Al Rashidiya, Al Warqaa, and Mirdif. It also extends to Dubai Silicon Oasis, recognised as one of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan's Urban Centres, and Academic City, which is projected to accommodate over 50,000 university students by construction of the Blue Line project will utilise cutting-edge international technologies in rail systems. Station designs have been planned to maximise space efficiency, thereby reducing construction, operation and maintenance costs. Additionally, these designs aim for seamless integration with various transportation modes, including public buses and taxis. Economic Return Initial studies by RTA indicate that infrastructure investment is a key driver of economic growth in cities worldwide. The Dubai Metro Blue Line project aligns with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, offering economic, social and environmental returns. By 2040, the project is projected to yield a benefit-cost ratio of 2.60 (Dh2.60 in benefits for every Dh1 spent). The total anticipated benefits will exceed Dh56.5 billion by 2040. These benefits include substantial savings in time and fuel, reduced accident-related fatalities, and lower carbon Blue Line is also expected to decrease traffic congestion on its served routes by 20% and appreciate the value of land and properties near stations by up to 25%. The Blue Line also provides a direct connection between Dubai International Airport and nine key areas situated along its route. It connects with the fifth urban centre, Dubai Silicon Oasis Centre, ensuring that all major urban centres in Dubai are seamlessly connected by metro lines. Backbone of Transportation System The endorsement of the Dubai Metro Blue Line signifies a major milestone, building upon the huge success the Dubai Metro has achieved since its inauguration on 9/9/2009. The Metro has emerged as the backbone of Dubai's transportation network, becoming the preferred mode of travel for both residents and visitors. It represents nearly 60% of total usage across all public transportation modes in Dubai, which include buses, the Dubai Tram, and marine the start of operations until the end of 2024, the Dubai Metro has transported 2.527 billion passengers. In 2024, the Metro averaged over 900,000 passengers daily. The Dubai Metro has also recorded great success in upholding the highest international safety standards and operational efficiency, boasting a 99.7% punctuality Dubai Metro played a pivotal role in boosting Dubai's competitiveness for hosting major international events, including the hosting of Expo 2020 Dubai. This event coincided with the launch of the Dubai Metro Route 2020, a 15 km extension featuring seven new stations. It has also contributed to stimulating economic growth, boosting tourism, and appreciating the value of properties located near metro stations. Global Standing Dubai Metro maintains its global position with a current total length of 90 km. This network includes around 52 km for the Red Line, 23 km for the Green Line, and 15 km for Route 2020. The network comprises 53 stations, with 29 on the Red Line, 18 on the Green Line, and seven on Route 2020, including an interchange station. Additionally, the fleet consists of 129 trains. The facilities and services offered at the Dubai Metro stations are recognised as some of the best globally.
