Prime minister of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has launched main tunnelling works on the 30km Dubai Metro Blue Line project.
He pressed the button to start tunnel boring machine (TBM) Al Wugeisha digging from International City 1 Station to Mirdif.
The 163m-long TBM, which weighs more than 2,000t, will advance up to 17m per day as it creates one of three excavated tubes for the transport system.
The Blue Line will run for 15.5km underground and feature four subterranean stations. The remaining 14.5km and 10 stops will be at surface level or elevated above the city streets.
TBM Al Wugeisha is equipped with technology including high-precision digital guidance systems, sophisticated monitoring and control capabilities and an integrated logistics plant for transporting excavated material. It is designed to break through rock formations, bore through sandy strata and deal with any other objects that may be encountered.
Al Maktoum said: “Our projects in Dubai are delivered to meet the highest international standards, guided by clear plans, precise timelines and national talent capable of turning vision into tangible achievements in practice. Their delivery is overseen by 180 railway experts and engineers.”
The Blue Line project is a fifth of the way through, the Dubai Government said this week. It kicked off with a groundbreaking ceremony last summer. More
