Electric-powered tram project underway

The Al Sufouh Tram project construction work is gathering pace, with the first phase all set to take passengers by 2014. This will further boost the public transport system within the emirate, said Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

Mattar visited the project to check the construction work. The first phase is worth Dh.4bn, to be opened by first half of 2014, and will offer passengers a safe and affordable public transport system to visitors and residents of new Dubai areas.

The completion of the project hit 95 percent in the design of the transit system, while 62 percent of civil works, 50 percent of utility lines diversion works has been completed, and overall completion rate of the project has touched 43 percent.

The CEO of Rail Agency, Adnan Al Hammadi, briefed Al Tayer about completion rates in various components of the project. The Al Sufouh Tram, stretching 14.7km, with first phase of the route touching 10.7km in length, will cost Dh.4bn. This will be built between Jumeirah Walk and Mall of Emirates.

The first phase of the project comprises 13 stations, out of the total 19, while 8 trams will be used initially out of total 25. Each tram will have a passenger carrying capacity of 400, catering to 5000 passengers an hour. The tram will have three categories – the gold class, women and children class, and silver class (economy section).

The tram is expected to connect the three Metro stations – the Mall of Emirates, Jumeirah Lake Towers and Dubai Marina. It will further be linked to Palm Jumeirah Monorail.

Apart from the 8 trams planned for the first phase, 17 trams will be added to Phase II, so that the total number of operational trams will be 25 in number. The tram will lift 5000 passengers an hour per direction.

The Al Sufouh Tram is the world's first tramway project to be powered by an electric supply system, along the track, which makes it unique. It is also the world’s first tramway to use platform screen doors in passenger stations, while also ensuring the efficiency of air-conditioning quality in both interior and outskirts.

Posted on 11/6/2012

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