RTA Dubai i.e. Roads and Transport Authority, through a partnership with Emaar Properties, has unveiled a mammoth project to extend the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station, the move that is likely to redefine urban travel within the Downtown Dubai precinct. The goal? To reshape the over-crowded station into a new generation transport hub that is capable of getting the continuously increasing number of commuters attracted to the renowned landmark in Dubai.
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A 65% Expansion to Meet Growing Demand
The development will ensure that the area of the station is extended by 63 percent thus the capacity rises to 12,320 passengers per hour. The passengers who are likely to use the upgraded station daily are concerning and outrageous, reaching 220,000 users per day once the station is developed, in obvious contrast to the alarming urbanization experienced in Dubai and the increasing dependence of people on the use of transportation.
Why the Expansion Matters
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, the Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at RTA said that the station is strategically located within the Dubai Metro.
Al Tayer said that the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station is one of the most important points in the Dubai Metro as it is located near Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and Dubai Downtown.
It acts as a due and handy entrance to the people of the city and visitors especially in major functions and vacations like the New Year Eve, Eid festivals and national fare.
As Dubai hosts millions of tourists annually, particularly during the major events, the station sometimes experiences peaks of more than 110,000 passengers in a day. In addressing this mounting pressure, the RTA observes that there have been growths by 7.5 percent in the average annual ridership at the station, over the previous five years, which the organization is projected to sustain until the year 2040.
Also Read: Make Your Dubai Metro Journey Enjoyable with These 7 Simple Hacks
What Commuters Can Expect
The total area of the station will extend by 8,500 square metres as compared to the previous 6,700 square metres; passengers will have a comfortable and spacious journey. Among the improvements to be made will include efficiency, safety and convenience.
The Main Upgrades Include:
- Broader concourse and platforms areas to accommodate the high inflow of people during rush time
- Independent entry and exit gates to enhance the flow and eliminate congestion
- More escalators and lifts to facilitate access particularly to families, elderly and People of Determination
- New foot bridges, and improved access to the main doors to provide a smoother connection to the surrounding attractions such as the Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa
- The widened fare gates and retail zone better the accessibility as well as the inside services of the passengers
- Better connections to the other transportation systems such as bus stops and taxi stands
- Improved landscaping and city planning to improve the aesthetic value of the station district
Looking Ahead: A Future-Proof Station
This development is in line with a larger plan of Dubai to establish a smooth and sustainable urban transportation network that will be in balance with the increase in population and the international standards of urban planning. By transforming one of its most heavily used metro stations to be much larger and comfortable, the RTA is paving the way toward a more intelligent and well-connected city.
With Dubai being the regional leader in public transport innovation, the makeover of the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station is a huge symbol of the city being dedicated to accessibility, development of infrastructure, and satisfaction. This is a strategic move as Dubai gears up to host even larger international events and an ever-increasing army of people, especially with its great metro system even one step ahead.