Dubai Metro on track despite global crisis - RTA chief

A top RTA Rail Agency official said on Friday the Dubai Metro project would be completed on schedule but other projects planned for 2009 would be re-evaluated amid the global economic crisis.

Abdul Redha Abu al-Hassan, RTA Rail Agency director said that although 2009 would present challenges, the $4.2 billion Metro deadline was "on track".

He added that from a financial position, the project had "no problem".

In comments published by Emirates Business on Friday, he added: "We need to re-programme ourselves according to the market now.

"It's not right that we spend money here and there on new projects without following the development in the city. Most of the developers have stopped their projects, so we have to study our programmes again, especially for the new ones underway."

He said: "Existing projects will go ahead and be finalised as planned, but for new projects we have to re-study our schedules so we can be with the areas' needs for transportation in rail."

The red line, which is due to open on Sept. 9, 2009 runs a total of 52.1km from Rashidiya to Jebel Ali.

The green line, stretching 23.9kms around Dubai creek from Al Qusais to Jedaff, is set for completion on March 21, 2010.