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Dubai Tram’s technical trial run takes off smoothly
Dubai Tram’s technical trial run takes off smoothly Lily B. Libo-on / 27 January 2014 Dubai Tram is expected to transport about 27,000 riders per day at the start of operations in the initial phase in 2014. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) on Sunday began the technical trial run of the Dubai Tram, considered the world’s first tramway project powered by a ground-based electric supply system extending along the track. Dubai Tram is expected to transport about 27,000 riders per day at the start of operations in the initial phase in 2014. The ridership is estimated to hit 66,000 riders per day by 2020. The technical trial run of Dubai’s tram on Sunday. -KT photos by Rahul Gajjar Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the RTA, said Sunday’s test runs encompassed the 2.5km stretch from Al Sofouh to Zone 1. “We conducted the trial run to ensure the readiness of the train along with the functioning and performance of all control systems under all conditions. The technical trial run is a milestone in the construction of the Dubai tram project. It will continue without passengers till the official operation of the tram service in the final quarter of this year. The test track will be expanded in the near future to cover the entire tramway,” he said. He said the tests covered a wide range of issues such as the air-conditioning system, electrical feed and braking system, coupling of tram coaches, disconnecting power supply, rail surveillance and control system, and testing the train under normal as well as emergency conditions. “The tram moved smoothly without wobbling or noises as it is powered by ground electrical feed stretching along the track. The Dubai Tram is considered the first of its type outside Europe powered by ground feed with no catenary cables involved,” said Al Tayer. Road users will now see the Dubai tram on the move on road sides at Al Sofouh, Jumeirah Beach Residence and the Marina. The tram track will intersect with vehicular and pedestrian traffic at certain points which requires motorists in particular and road users in general to be more attentive and aware of the rules and regulations governing the tram operation. “All must follow the directional signage in place to ensure streamlined traffic movement,” said Al Tayer. During the test run, the tram moved at varying speeds and tests were conducted covering the safety systems, power propulsion of tram carriages, brake system, sudden braking during emergencies, ground electrical feed along the tram track, overhead power feed used in the depot, and the tram’s doors operation. The Dubai Tram, also known as Al Sofouh Tram, is the world’s first tramway that uses Platform Screen Doors in passenger stations fully synchronised with the tram’s doors opening and shutting mechanism, providing maximum convenience, safety and security for passengers, and at the same time protecting the quality of the air-conditioning in the interior of both stations and carriages from external climatic conditions. He said the Dubai tramway extends 14.6km alongside Al Sofouh Road, and the initial phase of the project envisages the construction of a 10.6km-long track starting from the Dubai Marina and stretching up to the Tram Depot near Dubai Police Academy. The tram network comprises 17 passenger stations, 11 of which are covered under Phase I and spread across activity and population density areas along the tramway. Fourteen trams will be added in Phase II to make a total of 25 operating trams. Each of the 11 trams measures 44 meters in length and has a capacity to accommodate about 300 riders. The tram has a First Class (Gold Suite) and one cabin designated for ladies and children as well as a Silver Class cabin. The tram’s carriages and stations will have deluxe interior finishing, and feature state-of-the-art technologies in the transmission and display of entertainment materials. The track extends at grade level along Al Sufouh Road but rises in an elevated section passing across certain parts of Dubai Marina due to the urban constructions in the locality. Al Tayer said that the tram links up with the metro system at two stations, namely Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Lakes Towers via footbridges to facilitate the mobility and exchange of passengers between the two transit modes. “It will also be linked with the Monorail of The Palm Jumeirah at the entrance of the Palm from Al Sofouh Road to facilitate passenger movement between districts served by both modes.” The Dubai Tram testing schedule started with Zone 1. It will continue to Zone 2 by April 16 then to Zone 3 by June 14 until November 10 this year. lily@khaleejtimes.com For more news from Khaleej Times, follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/khaleejtimes , and on Twitter at @khaleejtimes Continue reading
Projects to improve roads in Godolphin and Zabeel areas
Projects to improve roads in Godolphin and Zabeel areas Staff Reporter / 26 January 2014 Directives issued to rename Al Khail First Road as Al Saadah Road. The Al Saada Road extends about 7.5km linking Shaikh Rashid Road and Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard Road. — Supplied photo Inspired by the nature of the district, Al Khail First Road has been renamed Al Saada Road which means happiness in Arabic. His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has also ordered improvement of two parallel road projects in the Godolphin and Zabeel areas costing about Dh1 billion, according to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The now Al Saada Road extends about 7.5km linking the Shaikh Rashid Road and the Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard Road and is inspired by the nature of the district which harbours towering facilities including the Executive Council of Dubai, Dubai World Trade Centre, Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall in addition to an array of hotels and tourist attractions. Starting from a point nearby the World Trade Centre, Al Saada Road passes by the Dubai Financial Center and stretches up to the downtown Burj Khalifa. “These vital facilities bring welfare and happiness to citizens, residents and tourists alike,” said Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of RTA. “This classifies the UAE as one of the happiest countries on earth,” Al Tayer said that the Parallel Roads Improvement Project in Godolphin area would be undertaken in the last quarter of this year. “It requires about 30 months to complete and costs about Dh900 million,” he added. The project comprises construction of several roads, bridges and tunnels to ensure smooth traffic flow on the parallel roads and alleviate congestions in the neighbourhood. “It is considered an extension to Al Asayel Road and Al Saada Road aimed to support the existing roads in the Business Bay district improve the traffic services and provide entry and exit options for the area stretching along the Shaikh Zayed and Al Khail Roads besides linking with the surrounding communities such as Al Qouz, Zabeel and Jumeirah,” continued Al Tayer. The eastern Parallel Roads Project at Zabeel will be an extension of the Al Asayel Road and will cost about Dh100 million. Work on the project is set to start as early as February 2014 and will continue for 210 days. “The project links the Business Bay district with the existing Oud Metha Road through the underpasses of the Financial Centre Road and Zabeel 2 Road. This new road extends 3km and comprises three lanes in each direction,” said Al Tayer. “In future it will be linked with the Shaikh Rashid bin Saeed crossing through a bridge passing over Oud Metha Road to link Bur Dubai with The Lagoons, Al Warqaa, Nad Al Hammar and the International City. The project works include ceramic cladding and lighting of the underpasses of the Financial Centre Road and Zabeel Road,” he added. news@khaleejtimes.com For more news from Khaleej Times, follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/khaleejtimes , and on Twitter at @khaleejtimes Continue reading
Wawrinka defeats Nadal to win Australian Open
Wawrinka defeats Nadal to win Australian Open (Reuters) / 26 January 2014 Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka has won the Australian Open. Stanislas Wawrinka celebrates his win. -AP Switzerland’s Stanislas Wawrinka claimed his first Grand Slam title in dramatic fashion on Sunday when he upset injury-troubled world number one Rafael Nadal in the Australian Open final. The eighth seed roared through the first two sets and overcame the distraction of a back injury to Nadal, and then the loss of the third set, to take it 6-3, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 in two hours 21 minutes. Nadal, who was chasing his 14 th major title, looked as if might pull out with the back injury but he fought back to take the third set and force the match into a fourth set. “For me it’s the best Grand Slam ever. I’m enjoying very much to play here,” Wawrinka said, who lost in five sets to Novak Djokovic in last year’s fourth round. “In one year a lot has happened. Right now I still don’t know if I’m dreaming or not. We’ll see tomorrow morning.” It was a stunning win for Wawrinka, who had not beaten Nadal in their previous 12 matches but rallied to win the fourth set and take the championship. He took 36 Grand Slam appearances to win his first title, second only to Goran Ivanisevic who played 48 before he won Wimbledon in 2001. Nadal was in tears as he said: “Many thanks Stan, you really deserved it, I’m very happy for you. I had bad luck against you today but you really deserve it. “My team, I tried hard, thank you very much. Without them it would be impossible to be where I am today. Sorry to finish this way, I tried very, very hard. “This year is one of the more emotional tournaments of my career.” Wawrinka began nervelessly and after holding his opening two service games for the loss of only two points he made the first move in the final, breaking Nadal in the fourth game. The Spaniard played a poor drop-shot which was followed by a double-fault to open the door for Wawrinka. The Swiss again had a break point in Nadal’s next service game as he held his own serves without undue pressure. But he was three break points down serving out for his first ever set against Nadal, only to win the next five points with some magnificent serves to go one set up in 37 minutes. Fresh from his psychological breakthrough, Wawrinka broke Nadal to love in the opening game of the second with with a cracking backhand return winner. The Swiss was in the zone, reeling off 12 consecutive points against the non-plussed Nadal, who received a time violation warning for slow play between points. Nadal’s problems mounted when he grabbed his back after playing a forehand. He called for the trainer at the next changeover and went off the court for a medical timeout at 2-1 in the second set. Wawrinka argued with the chair umpire about why he wasn’t told what Nadal’s injury was, as the crowd became restless with the Spaniard’s seven-minute absence off the court. When Nadal re-emerged he looked distressed and lost his serve for a third time as Wawrinka charged to a 4-1 lead. The Spaniard sat with his head in hands at the changeover. Wawrinka served out for the second set as Nadal disconsolately walked to his chair and received further courtside treatment on his back. However, Nadal fought back and broke Wawrinka’s serve for the first time in the final early in the third set. The treatment or possible painkillers appeared to have some effect and Nadal began hitting the balls with more authority to lead 4-1 as mistakes began to creep into the unsettled Wawrinka’s game. Wawrinka had a couple of break points in the ninth game but Nadal served out for the third set to take the final into a fourth set. The Swiss again failed to capitalise on two break points early in the fourth as Nadal held serve. Wawrinka got his fourth break with a big forehand winner to the corner to take a 4-2 lead and move within sight of the championship. But Nadal broke back after three break points in the next service game with a string of errors from the nervy Wawrinka. However, Wawrinka broke Nadal again and he served it out authoritatively, winning the title with a forehand and raising his arms aloft in celebration. The Swiss became the first man to defeat the top two seeds at a Grand Slam since Sergi Bruguera at the 1993 French Open. Nadal has had injury problems in the past in Melbourne. He missed the 2006 and 2013 editions, had to retire injured in the 2010 quarter-finals, and was hit by a muscle strain during his 2011 last-four defeat to David Ferrer. For more news from Khaleej Times, follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/khaleejtimes , and on Twitter at @khaleejtimes Continue reading
