New fleet of Dubai Metro trains on the right track after test run

Plans to introduce a new 50-strong fleet of revamped metro trains in Dubai remain right on track - after the new-look model went through a successful test run.

The director-general of Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) was on hand to see the train put through its paces on a 500 metre test track in Poland.

The new line is part of a project to bolster the roster of metro trains in time for Expo 2020 in Dubai.

The first of the new trains will arrive in Dubai in November, with all of the carriages being transported to the city by the end of October 2019.

Fifteen of the trains will serve the Expo 2020 rail route, with the remaining 35 to be deployed as part of the existing metro line.

The final date for when the new metro carriages will roll onto the tracks and welcome passengers in the emirate is still to be announced.

During the test run in Poland, trains rolled over the test track at varying speeds, and multiple tests were carried out on the safety systems, electric propulsion, braking system, emergency stops and the train doors operating systems.

Mattar Al Tayer, director-general and chairman of the board of director announced that the first train will be brought over in a matter of weeks after attending the testing.

The new trains will include a last carriage dedicated to women and children and will have a section of the first carriage set aside for Gold class customers.

The new intake will swell the number of trains on track to nearly 700 when they become operational.

The exterior design of the trains will remain unchanged to those currently used.

Other additions will include an illuminated dynamic map for the metro route and stations, using an LED power-saving lighting system, and modifications to the luggage compartment to make it usable by standing commuters.

The new carriages will be designed to make access as easy as possible for people with disabled commuters.

Al Tayer described the technical test run of trains as a milestone in the construction of the Route 2020 Project, which involves the extension of the Dubai Metro Red Line from Nakheel Harbour and Tower Station to the site of Expo 2020.

"Tests will continue until the shipment of the trains to to ensure the reliability of results," said Mr Al Tayer.

"Tests will cover a wide range of issues such as the air-conditioning system, electrical feed and braking system, coupling of coaches, disconnecting of power supply, rail monitoring and control system, and operational tests of the train under normal and emergency conditions.”

Dubai Metro marked it ninth anniversary earlier this month.

More than 100 million journeys were taken on the transport system last year alone.

 The National