Dubai Metro Gets Ready With Trial Runs
Dubai has another feather under its cap, as it flagged off the trial run of Dubai Metro. The RTA officials successfully tested a metro train with five cars on a test track near Jebel Ali in the month of May. The Dubai Metro has been tipped to be one of the most advanced urban rail systems in the world and will play a key role in the promotion of tourism, economic and financial growth.
The Dubai Metro is all set to provide feasible solutions to the severe traffic congestion problems as well as contribute to a pollution-free environment. With limited public transport options, Dubai holiday makers and locals are welcoming this state of the art train system. In order to provide maximum facilities to the people, Dubai Metro will be incorporated with taxi stations and park-and-ride facilities. This will definitely lead to people abandoning private transport on a daily basis. The project, the groundwork of which began in February 2006, will have a Red Line which will start operating from 2009. The Green Line with 17.6 km will open in 2010. The Red Line will have 29 stations, out of which 4 are underground. The time that the 52.1km Red Line will take to cover the whole route is 60 minutes. On completion, Dubai Metro will cover a length of 70 km and will have a total of 47 stations. The Dubai Metro will be operated by Serco which is under contract to Dubai Roads & Transport Authority , a body which was created in 2005.
The test run had attracted the attention of many a passer-by. People who were driving pulled over to watch the driverless train go back and forth. Coaches for this train were made to undergo several technical tests and then run on tracks. This testing procedure will go on for the next two to three months. These tests are being made to detect and supervise problems such as noise, wobbling and also electromechanical compatibility that will specialize in early detection of any trouble and resolve problems before passenger service opens on September 9, 2009.
The first phase of the tests is called “Static Test”. This involves placing a stationary train on a track and performing the requisite tests consisting of communication systems, power supplies, signaling systems, air-conditioning, on-board electronics and lighting. The second phase, known as “dynamic stage”, includes running the train on tracks without passengers. While the train is in motion, some key tests like load test, propulsion and brake tests, automatic train operation (ATO) tests, communication tests and speed tests etc. will be done. With tests in full flow, the operation of Dubai Metro is eagerly awaited by the people.
