The Dubai Metro, billed as the world's longest fully-automated driverless metro system, was launched last night by United Arab Emirates vice-president, prime minister and ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The much-anticipated launch of the first metro system in the Gulf region took place at 9.09pm at the Mall of the Emirates here as fireworks lit up the Dubai skyline to mark the historic event. Joined by other dignitaries and guests, a beaming and visibly excited Sheikh Mohammed boarded a train at the Mall of the Emirates station for the inaugural ride aboard the state of the art transport system. Several television stations made a live broadcast of the launch of the 28 billion dirham Dubai Metro, providing aerial footage of the train as it glided silently on its journey across the city.
Only 10 of the 29 stations along the 52km Red Line are operational for now, with the rest expected to open in stages over the next few months. The Dubai Metro also incorporates the Green Line which is expected to be up and running next year. When completed, the Dubai Metro lines that run both underground and on an elevated track will extend 76km with 47 stations. In expressing his gratitude to everyone who was involved in the ambitious Metro project, Sheikh Mohammed said it was a source of pride for the people of the UAE. Up to 30,000 workers, engineers and railway specialists had been working feverishly to complete the job. "The smile that we saw on the face of Sheikh Mohammed gives us a lot of enthusiasm and energy to continue with the same momentum," Dubai Roads and Transport Authority chairman of the board and executive director Mattar Al Tayer said. City planners anticipate the Metro project to facilitate movement as well as enhance economic and tourism activities, among others.
No comments:
Post a Comment