Press Information
Dubai Metro Green Line Commences Operation:
First Urban Rail System in GCC Region
-- World's Longest Driverless Rail System --
First Urban Rail System in GCC Region
-- World's Longest Driverless Rail System --
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Tokyo, September 13, 2011 - The Dubai Metro, a fully automated, driverless rail system serving transportation needs in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), inaugurated a new Green Line on September 9. The line was constructed by an international consortium including Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI), three other Japanese companies - Mitsubishi Corporation (MC), Obayashi Corporation and Kajima Corporation - and Yapi Merkezi Insaat ve Sanayi A.S. of Turkey. The Green Line, which represents the second phase of the Dubai Metro construction project, runs a distance of 23 kilometers through the old city along Dubai Creek, a densely populated area. Initially the line commences operations with 18 stations, excluding two stations yet to open. Together with the interconnecting Red Line that went into operation in September 2009 at two stations, the two lines will serve transportation needs throughout Dubai's urban center.
The Dubai Metro is the world's longest driverless rail system, with a total length of approximately 75 kilometers. It consists of the Red Line, the focus of Phase I construction, which runs between Dubai International Airport and Jebel Ali, a new area under development along the coast, and the newly inaugurated Green Line. The network will substantially ease Dubai's traffic congestion stemming from rapid population growth.
The five-partner Japanese-Turkish consortium has supplied the rail system and performed related civil and construction work since the start of Phase I construction work in August 2005. MHI and MC supplied the complete rail system, including rolling stock, automatic train control system, power supply system and rail tracks; and Obayashi, Kajima and Yapi Merkezi together constructed the tunnels, station buildings and substructures for elevated rail tracks. The consortium completed the six-year construction project as contracted, enabling revenue service to begin on schedule.
Many other transportation infrastructure projects are currently being planned in the Middle East region, including rail projects in Qatar, Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia. Leveraging the completion of the Dubai Metro Red and Green Lines, going forward MHI now intends to proactively seek involvement in these other projects in the region.
About MHI Group
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world’s leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com.