The Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has invited bids to construct the 30 km Blue Line on Dubai's metro network. The tender is aimed at the six consortia that have been pre-qualified for the contract. These are led by Hyundai Rotem, CRRC, Siemens, Alstom, CAF, and Hitachi respectively. The project is expected to cost €4.5 billion (AED 18 billion). The Blue Line will consist of a 15.5 km underground section and a 14.5 km elevated section. It will have 14 stations and a capacity of 56,000 passengers per hour in both directions. The selected contractor will be responsible for all civil and electromechanical works, the supply of 28 driverless metros and rail systems, and maintenance and operations support for an initial period of three years. Following the award of the contract later in 2024, tunnelling works are expected to start in 2025, with trial operation in 2028 and start of passenger services in 2029.
