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Discuss this article (5 Comments)Dubai Metro cost set to rise by over $3bn
by This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it on Sunday, 30 August 2009
CONSTRUCTION COSTS: The cost of building Dubai Metro has risen sharply since contracts were issued in 2005. (ITP Images)
The cost of building Dubai's long-awaited metro system is expected to rise by 75 percent to $7.6bn since the contracts were awarded four years ago, it was revealed on Sunday.
Among the reasons for the jump in costs was two extensions of the Green Line, which included five stations and a depot, two stations on the Red Line and a reworked design of all stations and their footbridges.
The Dubai Government has guaranteed the financing of the project, RTA chairman Mattar Al Tayer told reporters at a press conference.
Related: IN PICS: Inside Dubai Metro
Related: MAP: Dubai Metro Red Line
The announcement follows a report last week quoting him as saying the cost of the project had increased by billions of dirhams since the AED15.5bn ($4.2bn) contract for the Red and Green Lines was awarded in 2005.
Al Tayer said the construction cost increase ran into billions but he did not reveal the exact figure, adding that it would be announced after the project had been finished.
More than half of the project has changed in terms of its design and facilities since its inception to cope with the growing needs of the city, Al Tayer added.
Earlier on Sunday, Al Tayer announced that only 10 stations will be open when the Dubai Metro launches on September 9.
It was also revealed that Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed will officially inaugurate the Dubai Metro on the first day of operations.
The stations to open from day one will be: Rashidiya, Terminal 3, City Center, Al Rigga, Union Square, Khaleed bin al Waleed, Al Jaffiliya, DIFC, Mall of the Emirates and Nakheel Harbour and Tower.
Initially, 11 trains will run on the Red Line, Al Tayer said, adding that the Green Line was scheduled to open in June 2010, three months later than originally planned.
READERS' COMMENTS
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Dubai Metro
Posted by Abdullah, DUBAI, UAE on Tuesday 1 September 2009 at 16:57 UAE time
I can not bleave this statment the cost of the project arround 12 to 13 Billion Only why they say 28 Billion? they double the cost always for which reasons I dont know.!!!!!!!
Posted by Abdullah, DUBAI, UAE on Tuesday 1 September 2009 at 16:57 UAE time
I can not bleave this statment the cost of the project arround 12 to 13 Billion Only why they say 28 Billion? they double the cost always for which reasons I dont know.!!!!!!!
so what
Posted by Helen, Dubai, UAE on Tuesday 1 September 2009 at 12:50 UAE time
Hey give them some slack here. The price of everything is getting excruciating since the start of the Metro project so what they have to adjust the budget accordingly. Ok the figure is a little bit higher and their ambition is. I love that and they did it. I’ve a lot of things I don’t like about RTA specially how they handle the Taxi drivers but this one is great. Congratulation. I will be the first to try the Metro it is historic.
Posted by Helen, Dubai, UAE on Tuesday 1 September 2009 at 12:50 UAE time
Hey give them some slack here. The price of everything is getting excruciating since the start of the Metro project so what they have to adjust the budget accordingly. Ok the figure is a little bit higher and their ambition is. I love that and they did it. I’ve a lot of things I don’t like about RTA specially how they handle the Taxi drivers but this one is great. Congratulation. I will be the first to try the Metro it is historic.
ONLY?
Posted by Jebel Ali Baba, Dubai, UAE on Tuesday 1 September 2009 at 02:11 UAE time
3 Billion Dollars only? That's two Burj Al Arabs or one Emirates Palace only. Crazy money spending is quite common in this country. And most of the times its not the value, but bad project management, changing client demands and bribery what makes it so expensive. The price however we have to pay at least.
Posted by Jebel Ali Baba, Dubai, UAE on Tuesday 1 September 2009 at 02:11 UAE time
3 Billion Dollars only? That's two Burj Al Arabs or one Emirates Palace only. Crazy money spending is quite common in this country. And most of the times its not the value, but bad project management, changing client demands and bribery what makes it so expensive. The price however we have to pay at least.
Another cear example of major project overrun....project failure, maybe not!!
Posted by James, London, UK on Monday 31 August 2009 at 12:30 UAE time
These Billion Dollar plus projects, especially the high profile ones, will always come under scrutiny and attract pedantic comments. If you look back to some of the world's major project over spends and overrunns, Channel Tunnel from England to France, Concorde, Sydney Opera House, Burj Al Arab, etc etc. Clear examples of this in the more traditional management sense of costing more and taking more time to complete, yes technically failures. However, in terms of real success factors in making a huge contribution to attracting tourists and being world landmarks of man's achievements. The London Underground is huge and is not without its ongoing integrity problems. What Dubai Metro need to do now is have a concise Lessons Learned workshop to clearly identify all the mistakes, document them and learn from them. This should not be a witchhunt to aportion blame but an holistic learning curve. Good luck for the inauguration and safe travels.
Posted by James, London, UK on Monday 31 August 2009 at 12:30 UAE time
These Billion Dollar plus projects, especially the high profile ones, will always come under scrutiny and attract pedantic comments. If you look back to some of the world's major project over spends and overrunns, Channel Tunnel from England to France, Concorde, Sydney Opera House, Burj Al Arab, etc etc. Clear examples of this in the more traditional management sense of costing more and taking more time to complete, yes technically failures. However, in terms of real success factors in making a huge contribution to attracting tourists and being world landmarks of man's achievements. The London Underground is huge and is not without its ongoing integrity problems. What Dubai Metro need to do now is have a concise Lessons Learned workshop to clearly identify all the mistakes, document them and learn from them. This should not be a witchhunt to aportion blame but an holistic learning curve. Good luck for the inauguration and safe travels.
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