Abu Dhabi invites bids on 131 km metro line

The capital moved a step closer to having a metro system yesterday as the Department of Transport invited tenders to design a 131km-scheme supported by a network of trams and buses. With Abu Dhabi’s population growing rapidly, the city’s transport infrastructure must increasingly be built alongside new residential communities, while the department has had to stake out corridors in more developed areas.

According to the plans, the tram network will open in 2015, while the metro will be operating by 2020, though planners are aiming for earlier opening dates.

The Government is also reserving space for a regional rail line that will link Abu Dhabi with Dubai. The Red Line of Dubai’s metro is to begin operating in September. Once completed the entire network will have 127km of rail.