Following heavy rains in mid-April, four Dubai Metro stations were closed. Normal operations will resume at these stations by May 28th.
The On Passive, Equiti, Mashreq, and Energy Metro stations will reopen once all maintenance and safety checks are finished and they are ready to operate at the highest standards and efficiency, according to a statement from Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
"(We are) keen to swiftly restore Dubai Metro services at the affected stations to their normal state, ensure the safety and security of passengers and assets, and deliver seamless transport services in line with the top international practices,"
RTA stated on Wednesday, May 8. Metro services would soon resume as usual.
"These efforts are coordinated with Keolis and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, the companies in charge of the operation and maintenance of the Dubai Metro,"
the RTA said in a statement.
150 buses will still transport people between Business Bay and the OnPassive, Mall of the Emirates, Mashreq, Equity, Dubai Internet City, and Al Khail Metro stations, according to the government.
The Red and Green Lines' other stations are fully operating.
When they arrive at their destination, commuters disembark at adjacent stations and board public buses. Previously, passengers were instructed by the RTA to "avoid using the Metro during peak hours". Additionally, they put in place crowd control measures from 5 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. and from 7 a.m. to 9.30 a.m.
Heaviest rainfall
The record-breaking rainstorm 'Hadeer' severely impacted Dubai Metro on April 16, coinciding with the UAE's heaviest rainfall in 75 years. Thunder and lightning persisted throughout the night into Tuesday, disrupting transportation and causing congestion on Sheikh Zayed Road.
Motorists faced flooded roads, forcing some to abandon vehicles and walk. Intercity bus services were suspended, and Dubai Metro encountered difficulties. Authorities provided buses to stranded commuters, and Metro operating hours were extended until 3 am on April 17 to aid travelers.
Unprecedented disruption
Days after the unprecedented rain in the UAE, transport services continue to be impacted. Dubai residents encountered congestion on roads, particularly around business hubs, on April 22.
Closed metro stations such as Onpassive, Equiti, Al Mashreq, and Energy exacerbated the situation, leading commuters to struggle to find alternative transport. Some stations experienced significant crowding during peak hours, prompting RTA volunteers' deployment to assist commuters.
RTA advised commuters to avoid peak hour travel and plan journeys according to operational stations until all stations resume normal operations.
News Source: Khaleej Times
