Dubai unveils Dh10.6-billion extension to 'Route 2020'
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has approved awarding the Dh10.6 billion contract of ‘Route 2020’ project to Expolink Consortium comprising French, Spanish and Turkish firms.
Sheikh Mohammed further directed to immediately start the construction of the Dubai Metro Red Line Extension project and all the requisites of the project to be provided at the highest international standards and within the timeline set, for a launch date of May 20, 2020.
The new extension will serve Expo 2020, which is expected to attract about 25 million visitors during the six month duration of hosting it in Dubai. The project will also act as a critical line in serving the needs of demographic growth in the localities surrounding the metro track.
The consortium that was picked by the Roads and Transport Authority of Dubai comprises France's Alstom, Spanish firm Acciona and Gulermack of Turkey, which presented the winning bid.
According to the contract, Alstom would supply 50 trains: 15 serving the Expo, 35 for upgrading the level of service on Dubai Metro.
