Tokyo, September 9, 2011 – The Dubai Metro, a fully automated driverless rail system serving transportation needs in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), inaugurated the new Green Line today. The line was constructed by an international consortium consisting of five companies: Mitsubishi Corporation (MC), Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI), Obayashi Corporation, Kajima Corporation and Yapi Merkezi Insaat ve Sanayi A.S. of Turkey. The Green Line, which represents Phase II of the Dubai Metro construction project, first underwent construction in July 2006 and runs a total distance of 23 kilometers through the old city along the densely populated Dubai Creek. Initially, the line began operation servicing 18 stations, with the exclusion of two stations yet to be opened. Together with the interconnecting Red Line, which began operation in September 2009 connected by 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 is expected to 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 in August 2005. MHI and MC supplied the complete rail system, including: rolling stock, Automatic Train Control (ATC) systems, power supply systems and rail tracks.  Obayashi Corporation, Kajima Corporation and Yapi Merkezi constructed the tunnels, station buildings and substructures for elevated rail tracks. The consortium completed this six-year construction project as stated in the contract, 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, MC now intends to move forward and proactively seek involvement in these upcoming projects.