The first of the new 50 Dubai metro trains has been delivered to the Roads and Transport Authority of Dubai (RTA) by Alstom. The train, produced at Alstom’s site in Katowice in Poland, was shipped from Bremerhaven Port in Germany to Dubai and transported to the Dubai Metro depot in Rashidiya. Over the next few months, Alstom will conduct initial static and dynamic tests in the depot. The manufacturer will continue supplying the remaining trains in batches, and the last one is expected to arrive by the end of October 2019.
Mattar Al Tayer, director general and chairman of the board of executive directors of Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), said: “The RTA will carry the test-run of the first train destined for Route 2020 on the Red Line of the Dubai Metro. It will start with the static tests of all operating systems of the train. In the following stage, RTA will begin dynamic tests which involve testing the performance of the systems while in motion, such as motors, brakes and control systems.”
The Alstom-led ExpoLink consortium which includes Acciona and Gulermak signed a contract with RTA in 2016 to design and build the extension of Dubai’s Red metro line and upgrade the existing line. The project, also known as Route 2020, is worth $2.9 billion, and is expected to start commercial service in 2020, in time for the World Expo.
Alstom’s scope covers the provision of the entire metro system, including 50 trains, power supply, driverless signalling, communication and security, automatic fare control, track works, platform screen doors and a three-year warranty on the whole system. Additionally, Alstom will enhance the existing metro line by upgrading power supply, signalling systems, communication and track works.
The new trains for Dubai are 85.5m long and comprise five cars each. They will be able to carry up to 700 passengers (4 passengers per sqm²) each. Several improvements were introduced to the interior design of the new metro carriages to make more room for riders and increase the intake of carriages. Passenger experience has been enhanced with wide gangways, large doors and windows, and designated areas for women and children, silver and gold classes. The train is equipped with a full electrical braking system, LED lighting and other eco-friendly systems to reduce energy consumption.
“Additional enhancements include revamping the designs of handles & lighting, using cutting-edge digital signage (VBSD), and an illuminated dynamic map for the metro route & stations. They also include using LED power-saving lighting system and modifying the design of the luggage compartment to make it usable for standing commuters. Improvements also include the distribution of seats on both sides of the train and widening the gangway between carriages. The new carriages are customised to serve people of determination and the smooth boarding and alighting of riders as well. The exterior design of trains will remain unchanged to maintain the design identity of Dubai metro and its familiar colours to the public,” said Al Tayer.
Didier Pfleger, senior vice president for Middle East & Africa, Alstom, said: “This is a significant milestone in a prestigious project that will provide Dubai residents and visitors to with a reliable, comfortable and environmentally-friendly metro system ahead of the World Expo.”
