Construction of Dubai's Dh14.3 billion metro system will begin in October 2005 with the first phase being completed by 2009.
Qasim Sultan, Director General of Dubai Municipality, said tenders were being invited up to June and that there had been interest from around the world.
Speaking at a press conference at the municipality headquarters, Nasser Ah-med Saeed, Director of the Roads Project Department and General Coordinator of the project, said the trains would be operational by 2009 with the two main lines fully open three years later.
He said: "The annual operating cost will be around Dh570 million which will be easily met through fares and selling advertising space."
Saeed said the Dubai Metro System will carry around 1.2 million passengers a day and 355 million people a year. Investment costs have been pegged at Dh14.3 billion.
He said the trains would be 75m long, consisting of five fully-air conditioned cars offering standard class, separate sections for women and children and a first-class compartment. Electronic passenger information boards will constantly display train timings and other information.
"The trains will be fully automated so there will be no driver. The window panels on the trains will provide stunning views of the cityscape."
"The trains will keep noise to the minimum and there will be no gas emissions either. No visually intrusive overhead contact lines will be needed and trains will use steel wheels or tyres running on a special double track," he added.
The Metro System will include 55 stations, both elevated and underground, and more than 100 trains, 18km of tunnels, 51km of viaduct, one major train depot and a maintenance workshop and several auxiliary offices.
The system will be fully integrated into the Dubai Municipality Public Transport Department. Bus stops, several taxi stations and park and ride centres will complement the rail system.
Ticket booths and a fixed pricing system will allow seamless travel across the network. The Dubai Metro Network will comprise two lines. While 35 stations will be situated along the 50-km Red Line, 22 stations will serve the 20km Green Line.
The two transfer stations will be situated at Al Ittihad Square and the BurJuman mall.
A possible extension of the Green Line from Wafi to Dubai Festival City is also being studied.
Both the lines will run underground in the city centre because of logistical convenience.
Elsewhere, the trains will travel over an elevated and specially designed viaduct to augment safety.
Gulf News
