Route 2020: New metro line in Dubai becomes operational
On 1 January 2021, the Dubai Metro extension – Route 2020 became operational. The first journey on the route took place on New Year’s Day at 10:00 am between the Jebel Ali Station and Al Furjan Station. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai and Prime Minister of the UAE, inaugurated the seven new metro stations on Route 2020.
IMPACT OF DUBAI METRO
The Dubai Metro is part of the fabric of public transport in Dubai. From its inauguration in 2009, Dubai Metro has proved to be a worthy addition to this beautiful city.
Besides being the longest driverless metro system, Dubai Metro also has one of the highest punctuality rates in the world. Many Dubai Metro facts set this public transport system apart from the competition.
The Dubai Metro is safe, convenient and affordable and has become a way of life for millions of city dwellers. It has also helped raise foreign investment, reduce Dubai’s carbon footprint, cut down on road congestion, enhance employment opportunities and most importantly, decrease the maintenance costs of roads and bridges.
As per official numbers, around 1.03 billion passengers have travelled on the Dubai Metro in the initial eight years. Commercial activity aside, the ease of commute that the metro has brought to Dubai residents cannot be overstated.
With the growing population and increased traffic congestion anticipated in lieu of Expo 2020, the Dubai Metro extension was deemed necessary. The new Dubai Metro Route 2020 extension will take passengers from Dubai Marina to the Expo 2020 site in under 16 minutes.
ABOUT DUBAI METRO EXTENSION
Over the past 15 years, the Dubai Government and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) have invested huge sums of money in improving public transport systems. The Dubai Metro Route 2020 is a continuation of that commitment. Let’s delve deep into everything you need to know about the latest addition to Dubai’s rapidly growing public transport network.
15 KM TRACK
The track extends around 15 km, divided into a 3.2 km underground track and an 11.8 km elevated track. It links seven stations – three elevated stations, two underground stations, one station at the Expo site and one ‘interchange’ station with the Red Line.
Apart from being a technological marvel, the new project is also viewed as a major infrastructure upgrade since it will link several communities of Dubai. All seven stations will have smart fare gates and 3D cameras for added security.
A further extension of the Dubai Metro 2020 Route, which will link the Expo 2020 site to the Al Maktoum International Airport, is also under discussion at the RTA.
DUBAI METRO ROUTE 2020
Dubai Metro has two main lines, Red and Green. However, taking into account the potential increase in traffic due to Expo 2020, RTA launched the Dubai Metro Route 2020 expansion project. The new route represents an extension of the Dubai Metro Red Line.
NEW DUBAI METRO ROUTE MAP
Dubai Metro’s new route map consists of a 15 km extension. 11.8 km are guideways, and 3.2 km is the tunnel area. The Red Line extends from Jebel Ali Station to the Expo 2020 site.
SEVEN STATIONS ON ROUTE 2020
There are seven metro stations on Route 2020. The design of all the stations has been inspired by the four elements of nature – earth, air, water and fire. Here’s a detailed account of all the metro stations on the 2020 route extension.
1 – JEBEL ALI STATION
Comprising a total area of 8,800 sq. m. and reaching 150 metres in length, this interchange station connects Route 2020 to the Red Line. It has four platforms, seven parking slots for people of determination, four bus lay-bys, and 17 taxi drop-offs. The station can accommodate 320,000 riders per day and around 17,000 per hour during peak time.
2 – AL FURJAN STATION
Al Furjan is a gated community that has gained popularity over the last few years. While it offers many facilities, the only concern was the lack of access to public transport. However, with Route 2020, the Dubai Metro will be easily accessible for community residents. Hence, it might be the most suitable time to invest in a villa in Al Furjan.
Spanning 168 metres in length, the Al Furjan Station can facilitate up to 4,746 riders per hour (during peak hours) and 125,000 per day. It has 20 taxi drop-off slots, four bus lay-bys, and two dedicated parking slots for people of determination.
3 – THE GARDENS STATION
The Gardens can be a top-rated station on Route 2020, especially as it will be only a few minutes from the main Red Line. It can serve around 125,000 riders per day and includes two platforms, 20 taxi slots, four bus lay-bys, and two parking slots for people of determination.
4 – DISCOVERY GARDENS STATION
The metro station in the Discovery Gardens area is underground, comprising a 3.2 km long tunnel between Discovery Gardens and the Green Community in DIP. Residents of apartments in the Discovery Gardens neighbourhood will now find it much easier to get around Dubai.
5 – JUMEIRAH GOLF ESTATES STATION
Jumeirah Golf Estates is one of the best locations in Dubai for the lifestyle it offers, and now it is also home to Route 2020’s largest underground station. The station measures a whopping 28,700 sq. m. with a length of 232 metres.
This beautiful neighbourhood was already extremely popular. Now, with quick access to Route 2020 and one of the best golf courses in Dubai, investors can expect the level of interest in villas in Jumeirah Golf Estates to rise rapidly.
6 – DUBAI INVESTMENTS PARK STATION
The Dubai Metro Expansion project is hugely beneficial for people who live in or near Dubai Investments Park. It will comprehensively solve public transport deficiencies in the area. It will take a little over 10 minutes to reach the Expo 2020 site from this station.
7 – EXPO STATION
Naturally, the Expo 2020 station is the largest station in the Dubai Metro extension project. Millions of visitors will use Route 2020 to get to the venue. Hence, the station has been built to accommodate more than 520k passengers in both directions. That means the capacity to accommodate a staggering 46,000 passengers per hour!
The station is close to the EXPO Mall and urban complex on its western side. On its eastern side, you can spot the Expo Exhibition and the Expo COEX.
It is a multi-level station with a ground floor, mezzanine, concourse and the train platform level. Pedestrians can traverse between the two sides of the station via the concourse level. Additionally, the station’s design enables seamless integration with public transport, with an abundance of spaces for taxi stands and buses.
As for the look, the station’s stunningly iconic design has been inspired by the wings of a plane – pertaining to the flight being one of humanity’s most outstanding technical ever achievements. Notable facilities include four designated parking spots for people of determination, six bus lay-bys and three platforms. Additionally, it features eight ticket vending machines for purchasing and topping up Nol cards.
Benefits of the project
Expo 2020 Metro Route is expected to bring a host of economic and technical benefits to the region. These include:
REDUCED CARBON EMISSIONS
The project will result in a reduction in traffic congestion by 25%. This will significantly reduce carbon emissions by 2020 and even more by 2030.
ECONOMIC VALUE
The project is also expected to attract foreign investors to the city by making it convenient for them to host and participate in international conventions or exhibitions — worth a possible fiscal benefit of AED 2.7 billion by 2030. Another knock-on effect of note is that interest is expected to grow exponentially for residential neighbourhoods near Route 2020.
50 NEW TRAINS
Fifty new trains have been added for Route 2020. Several additions have been introduced to improve the interiors of the trains for the convenience of riders. This includes a cabin for women and children. The first cabin is designated as Gold Class, while the rest are categorised as Silver Class. The distribution in the new trains will increase capacity by 8%.
That concludes our guide to the Dubai Metro Route 2020 extension. We hope you found it interesting and useful. Enjoy your ride!
Want to live close to public transport in Dubai? Check out these popular areas for renting apartments near a metro station.
