Project Focus

ABU DHABI LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT/TRAM

A 340 km long tram system is expected to be operational by the first quarter of 2015. The system will connect to Abu Dhabi airport with the central business district and other important areas in the UAE capital. It will also connect the proposed metro system, which is set to go under a feasibility study this month. Like the metro, the light tram will form an integral part of the Surface Transport Master Plan, a scheme put forward by the department of Transport to develop a transport infrastructure including different modes for passenger and freight.

     Plans for the capital’s light train system were announced last month along with the invitation of bids for the Abu Dhabi DoT’s tram system study. The deadline for bid submissions is August 30. The study covers alternative analysis, preliminary engineering, environmental documentation, conceptual design, tender preparation, design review and supervision during implementation.

     The tram scheme comes as part of Plan Abu Dhabi 2030. DoT will work closely with the selected consultant to assess the feasibility of tram lines and the financial viability for the project, initial design of the tram network and stations, vehicle size and technical specifications. The study will be conducted over a period of 18 months.