Latest news with #MetroLine
Arab News
2 days ago
- Arab News
Saudi interior minister inspects Hajj preparedness at holy sites
RIYADH: Saudi interior minister conducted a field tour on Wednesday to inspect the readiness of the Al-Mashaaer Al-Mugaddassah (Holy Sites) Metro Line as pilgrims move to the holy site of Arafat. Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud, who also heads the Supreme Hajj Committee, was briefed on the mechanisms of dispatching and scheduling train trips, in full integration with the relevant security and regulatory authorities, ensuring smooth operations and the safety of pilgrims the Saudi Press Agency said. The minister boarded a train ride to the Mina 3 (Jamarat) Station, where he inspected the station's readiness and facilities to receive pilgrims. The metro line is a high-capacity rail system in Makkah that operates for only seven days a year, during Hajj, as a shuttle service to take pilgrims to and from holy sites. It has a capacity of up to 72,000 passengers per hour. Prince Abdulaziz also visited the Facilities Security Forces, who regulate pedestrian movement and crowd management in the areas surrounding the metro stations, and was briefed on the forces' plans and role in supporting and assisting the Hajj Security Forces.
Calgary Herald
29-05-2025
- Business
- Calgary Herald
Edmonton breaks ground on $1.3B Capital Line South LRT expansion
The latest expansion project for Edmonton's sprawling LRT lines broke ground on Thursday, that will, once completed, connect the current Heritage Valley transit centre on Ellerslie Road to Century Park by way of 111 Street. Article content Article content With plans to construct one underpass, two overpasses, and two additional LRT stations, the project is expected to take about five years to build and cost nearly $1.4 billion, barring any overruns on time or budget. The Capital Line South LRT expansion was prioritized in the city's ongoing transit buildout to accommodate what it expects will be 15,000 daily riders once complete because of the area's ballooning population. Article content Article content 'We are growing as a city. We have had over 140,000 people move here in the last three years. We're going to be a city of 1.25 million people projected by the end of this year. We can't stop building transit. We can't stop building ways for people to move,' said Edmonton's deputy mayor and ward papstew Coun. Michael Janz at the groundbreaking ceremony. Article content 'Alberta's provincial government is pleased to have committed $365 million in provincial funding for this project. Now this total includes a recent approval at the city's request to reallocate $41 million in provincial funding from the Metro Line and the Valley Line West LRT projects to support this Phase One of the Capital Line South LRT project,' Dreeshen said. Article content Article content Phase One of the project will add a high-floor LRT connecting the existing Century Park LRT station and spanning 4.5 km to the Heritage Valley Transit Centre, which is currently a park and ride, but will also get an LRT station as part of the expansion. The expansion includes an underpass under 111 Street and 23 Avenue as well as two new bridges over Blackmud Creek and Anthony Henday Drive. Phase one will also add an operations and maintenance facility on the south side of Anthony Henday Drive and a Twin Brooks LRT station. Article content Article content Dreeshen said the province's support for Edmonton's LRT projects ties into the Alberta government's plans to create an 'optimal passenger rail system' for Alberta. Further, he said the province expects to have a passenger rail master plan completed by the summer, which will outline a 15-year plan to create commuter and regional rail services around the province, including connecting Edmonton and Calgary's mass transit systems.
Hans India
05-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
CS reviews key infra projects, pushes for timely completion
Hyderabad: Telangana State Chief Secretary K Ramakrishna Rao on Sunday inspected the ongoing major infrastructure works in the city. The inspection was a comprehensive review of the ongoing development works to ensure the projects are completed as per plan which are crucial for the city's urban infrastructure. The Chief Secretary emphasised that Chief Minister Revanth Reddy is prioritising the growth of Hyderabad, noting that the ongoing development projects in the city were initiated under the Chief Minister's directive. On Sunday, Ramakrishna inspected various development works undertaken by SRDP and other departments. He examined the construction status of major flyovers, progress on Hyderabad Old City Metro Rail expansion, foot over bridge development, KBR H-City project advancement and sewage treatment plant operations. The CS was accompanied by MAUD Secretary K Ilambarithi, HMDA Commissioner Sarfaraz Ahmed, GHMC Commissioner R V Karnan, Metro Railway MD NVS Reddy, Water Works MD Ashok Reddy and others. Initially, the Chief Secretary conducted an inspection of the foot over bridge (FoB) at GVK Mall in Banjara Hills. Later, he reviewed the Metro Line Alignment for the Old City Corridor at Darushifa. Metro Rail MD NVS Reddy outlined the planned Metro Line projects extending from the Old City Corridor MGBS Bus Station to Chandrayangutta and provided a detailed explanation to the Chief Secretary. He emphasised the need to accelerate the land acquisition process, noting that the community has been cooperative so far. CS evaluated the conservation, restoration, and repair efforts of the Khurshid Jha Devi Heritage Building in Hussainialam, funded by HMDA. Ramakrishna reviewed the progress of the Falaknuma RoB project. Ilambarthi and Karnan informed the Chief Secretary that the GHMC-related tasks are nearing completion. They assured that the acquisition of five properties for the service road will be finalised after the railway section is completed, with a target to finish within a month. The Chief Secretary has mandated that this be completed by August. They reiterated their commitment to ensuring the project is executed properly and made available, noting that since work on the railway section has commenced, it is expected to be finished by the end of August. Subsequently, they inspected the construction works over the Musi River at Moosarambagh, highlighting its advantages to the community. When the Chief Secretary inquired about the land acquisition process, officials informed him that additional assets still need to be secured. Following this, they reviewed the sewage treatment plant projects initiated by the Water Board and directed the relevant officers to expedite their completion. The Chief Secretary assured that funding for the Old City Metro is enough and has urged officials to swiftly finalise the asset acquisition for the project. He emphasised the need to accelerate the flyover construction through the GHMC SRDP and other infrastructure initiatives. He plans to monitor the progress of the Moosarambagh Bridge works closely, assuring the public that these projects will be completed without causing any inconvenience. Furthermore, all sewage treatment plants being developed by the Water Board will be made operational.
Globe and Mail
13-03-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
FY2024 Dubai Real Estate Market Highlights: A Year of Growth and Transition
With a stellar 2024, Betterhomes remains bullish on Dubai's off-plan real estate investments in 2025 and beyond. Dubai's real estate market set new benchmarks in 2024, achieving a record-breaking transaction value of AED 423.36 billion from over 168,405 sales transactions, a growth of 30% in transaction value and 40% in transaction volume year-on-year (YoY). The off-plan Dubai market accounted for 63% of total transactions and showed a remarkable 66% YoY growth, making new off-plan developments in Dubai attractive options for global investors. According to the Dubai Real Estate Market FY2024, Dubai's real estate market is poised for stabilization as the population grows, with over 72,000 residential units expected to enter the market. While price growth may moderate, demand remains robust, especially with infrastructure initiatives in the pipeline. Projects like Etihad Rail Network and Dubai's Metro Line will improve connectivity and intra-city travel and foster quicker urban expansion. 2024 has also been a landmark year for luxury off-plan investment in Dubai, with the prime property market (properties valued over AED 15 million) hitting unprecedented highs with 1,938 total transactions in the secondary market. With 40 super-prime transactions exceeding AED 100 million, Dubai continues to attract high-net-worth individuals seeking bespoke properties and exceptional lifestyles, pointing toward significant growth in 2025 for off-plan property sale Dubai. Tourism remains a key economic growth area, with various initiatives heavily influencing retail, hospitality, and real estate demand in the sector, bolstering the rental market. Additionally, the Smart Rental Index launch in 2025 promises to enhance transparency and fairness in rental pricing. From luxury penthouses to accessible apartments, Dubai's real estate market represents the UAE's economic resilience and global appeal. Dubai's reputation as a global real estate hotspot continues to shine, and off-plan properties are now at the heart of its thriving market. With high returns, flexible payment plans, and luxurious developments, off-plan projects in Dubai represent an exciting opportunity for investors around the globe. 'As we reflect on another year of incredible growth and transformation, I am reminded of what makes Dubai's real estate market truly exceptional. It's not just the skyscrapers or record-breaking transaction volumes—it's the vision, resilience, and innovation that define this city. 2024 has been a landmark year, and as we look ahead to 2025, we remain committed to guiding our clients and creating lasting value,' said Louis Harding, Chief Executive Officer of Betterhomes. For more information, visit In a market where so many real estate agencies promise the world but fail to deliver, Betterhomes stands apart. As one of Dubai's oldest and most prominent full-service real estate brokerages, each of Betterhomes' agents is a community specialist committed to delivering an authentic, quality-driven, client-first service. According to Harding, what sets off-plan properties apart are their lower initial prices against completed units, flexible payment plans, and potential for high returns on investment (ROI). Dubai's off-plan market offers a variety of property types to suit different preferences and investment needs. Located in high-demand areas like Downtown Dubai and Marina, off-plan apartments cater to professionals and families, with units ranging from studio units to penthouses for sale with breathtaking views and luxury finishings. Alternatively, buyers seeking space and privacy can opt for off-plan villas for sale in developments like Dubai Hills Estate and Arabian Ranches, which offer sprawling layouts, private gardens, and community facilities. For families or investors looking for mid-size properties, buying off-plan townhouses is becoming increasingly popular in areas like Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) and Dubai South. As an option, they could consider off-plan properties in mixed-use communities such as Dubai Creek Harbour and Business Bay, combining residential, retail, and office spaces. Dubai's impressive YoY growth performance underscores investor confidence and robust demand for highly desirable off-plan properties, featuring cutting-edge designs, eco-friendly technologies, and resort-style amenities. Working with homeowners and landlords in Dubai and Abu Dhabi for almost 40 years, Betterhomes has grown in tandem with the real estate sector, selling over 30,000 homes and building a network of satisfied clients. It's why property owners choose Betterhomes to sell or rent their properties time and time again. About the Company: Established in 1986, Betterhomes is one of Dubai's oldest and most prominent full-service real estate brokerages. Starting as a small operation from a dining room, the company has grown into a regional leader with over 250 agents and offices across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Motor City. Recognized for its comprehensive services, Betterhomes specializes in residential and commercial property sales, leasing, property management, mortgage advisory, and luxury real estate through its subsidiary PRIME by Betterhomes. Media Contact Company Name: Betterhomes Contact Person: Elsa Angelo Email: Send Email Phone: +971600522233 Address: 42nd floor, Vision Tower, Business Bay City: Dubai Country: United Arab Emirates Website:
CBC
24-02-2025
- Business
- CBC
'Record-setting' boom in development driven by new zoning rules and new LRT
Social Sharing Construction of new residential and commercial spaces is booming in Edmonton, influenced by new relaxed zoning rules as well as a longer-term trend of neighbourhoods being reshaped by the city's expanding LRT. In a recent year-in-review report, the City of Edmonton's development services department called 2024 a "record-setting year for growth." The city awarded 50 per cent more residential development and building permits than it did in 2023, with the overall value of construction permits at $4.2 billion, a 31 per cent growth from the year before. "I'm not shocked," Coun. Andrew Knack said about the numbers. "Thinking about the growth that we've been seeing, it's just continuing to explode in our city." The councillor for Ward Nakota Isga said 2023 and '24 saw an influx of people moving to Edmonton from other parts of Canada, and the development boom reflects that. "You really started to see people in other parts of the country realize just how much more affordable almost all of Alberta is — but when it comes to a major city, how much more affordable Edmonton in particular is." Edmonton's new zoning bylaw went into effect on Jan. 1, 2024, allowing more diverse and dense types of housing in all parts of the city. In residential zones, the new bylaw allows eight or more housing units to be built on a single lot. Almost 16,000 net new dwelling units were approved in 2024, of which more than 6,000 were classed as row houses, backyard housing or secondary suites. According to David Cooper, a transportation planner and consultant with Leading Mobility, Edmonton has — and is — building a significant amount of LRT, which is driving development. "Rapid transit projects do sometimes spur changes in the urban form to build more housing," said Cooper, who is the lead author on a national report called Housing is on the Line. It makes recommendations on how transit can help Canada's housing issues. Edmonton now has three LRT lines: the Capital Line, Metro Line and Valley Line Southeast. The Valley Line West is under construction and the Capital Line extension has been approved. The city also plans to extend the Metro line to the northwest of Castle Downs. In Edmonton, Cooper said transit-oriented developments — or TODs — are evident in areas along the Valley Line Southeast LRT, like Bonnie Doon, Strathearn, Holyrood and Mill Woods Town Centre. "There's areas that will see development happen over time. We've had TODs occur in Edmonton that are multi-phase: Century Park still getting built out." With growth comes a wealth of new amenities, he added. "Stadium Station's a great example of that," Cooper said, referring to the LRT station near Commonwealth Stadium. "You got a reconstructed station, you got a number of different housing units, you got new commercial services that didn't exist before, you have a renovated recreation centre." 'Downtown coming to the neighbourhood' Many people across the city aren't happy about the changing landscape. Jaclyn Moravec and her husband, Dallas Moravec, have lived in a single-family home in the Woodvale community of Mill Woods for nine years. "We looked for a lot because [Dallas] had some friends grow up here and he just thought it was a little gem in Edmonton," Moravec said in an interview earlier this month. Now, a developer has applied to build a 10-unit apartment complex on the lot next door. Moravec said the three-storey building will block views, sunlight and take away their privacy. She's also worried about how the increased population will impact existing sewer and water issues. One of the Valley Line South LRT stations, which went into operation in late 2023, is located a few blocks away. She said that has added to congestion in the neighbourhood. "This is our home and now we have downtown coming to the neighbourhood," Moravec said. The Woodvale community was developed in the 1970s and early '80s as a mix of single-detached homes, row housing and walk-up apartments, according to the city. Moravec said she recognizes the need for diverse housing types but said other neighbourhoods might be more suitable for high-density developments. Moravec started a petition to stop the development; as of Friday, more than 300 people had signed it. Cooper said these developments can be difficult for neighbours. "That will always be a tension. That's not unique to Edmonton. That's really a national tension if you look at it, when we look at the integration of transit and housing." Generational lifestyle shift Niraj Nath, president and founder of NDura Developments, focuses on building multi-family infill housing in Edmonton's west end. Business is up 300 per cent this year, he said. In 2024, he built 10 units of row housing. This year he's building 30 units within eight-plexes. He credits the city's revised zoning bylaw as the impetus for more permits but also points out 70 per cent of his projects are within a kilometre of the Valley Line West LRT. "I think there's a lot of long term generational benefits to the LRT," he said. "We're the generation that has to make that change but I think it's really been a catalyst for a lot of the development that we're seeing in the neighbourhoods we're developing in." Nath, who grew up in the west end, said the changes in housing type around transportation routes is part of a growing city. When he started 10 years ago, people in traditional single-family home neighbourhoods questioned the style and density of skinny home infill and townhouses. He says people eventually came around.
