Dubai, 20 June 05 (WAM)--As part of a multibillion-redevelopment plan for Abu Dhabi International Airport, the capital will also develop a circular railway linking the city with the expanded airport and free trade zones proposed within the airport expansion project.

Hanan Sayed Worrell, Projects Manager, Supervision Committee for the Expansion of Abu Dhabi International Airport (SCADIA) told Khaleej Timesof Dubai that a light rail system has been planned for the future. "The airport redevelopment plan involves huge investment of Dh25 billion." Quoting the master plan for the airport development, she said the airport will be located near the adjoining free trade zones planned by the Abu Dhabi Government. Redevelopment of Abu Dhabi International Airport is a cornerstone for the economic development of the Emirate.

A report in the International Railway Journal said a transport plan for Abu Dhabi has at its heart a 12 km circular railway line with 19 stops. "Highway improvements, more buses (together with air-conditioned bus stops), and restrictions on taxis in the central area are part of the plan to ease congestion caused by a rapidly growing population.

The overall objective is to increase the number of people using public transport from 0.5 per cent of the population to 5 per cent. Population has grown from 140,000 in 1980 to 575,000 in 2000. It is expected to reach 1.25 million in 2020.

Abu Dhabi will also develop free trade zones adjacent to the cargo facilities, further enhancing commercial activity at the airport, reported the English language daily on Monday.

It is not known whether the Dubai Light Rail, which starts from Al Rashidiya and ends at Jebel Ali will be linked to the proposed Abu Dhabi rail line. Recently the Dubai Municipality has signed a contract worth Dh12.45 bn with Dubai Rapid Link, a consortium of four companies headed by Mitsubishi Corporation of Japan, to build a high-tech driverless rail transit system across the emirate.

The Abu Dhabi airport will serve as the gateway to the capital city offering an attractive and welcoming experience for residents, business travellers, and visitors alike. The airport being developed as the home base for Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, as it grows and establishes itself as a premier airline. The ultimate development plans for Abu Dhabi International Airport will allow it to grow from its current level of approximately5 million passengers per year to 50 million, the project manager said.

"All sectors of the airport will be able to grow to their fullest potential in a balanced and integrated manner. The airport master plan includes a new Midfield Terminal Complex, a second 4,100 metre runway spaced at a distance of 2,000 m from the existing runway, expanded cargo terminals with international free trade zones, maintenance and catering facilities and associated revenue generating developments," she added.

Scheduled to open in January 2010, the New Midfield Terminal Complex will be designed to handle 20 million passengers annually with 52 contact gates. The terminal will feature luxurious passenger lounges and spacious public areas, expanded dining and duty free offerings, the latest passenger and baggage processing technology and a new in transit hotel.

Supported by its programme manager, Parsons International Ltd and a team of consultants, SCADIA provides the leadership for all phases of the airport development. Closed-in car parking facilities will make arrival and departure an easy and efficient experience. The air traffic tower will rise to a height of 110 meters over the airfield. It will be equipped with state of the art navigational and meteorological equipment to assure the same and timely arrival of aircraft at the New Midfield Terminal Complex. Controllers in the new tower will be able to handle simultaneous landings and departures as well as operation of the new A380.