Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced the completion of the revamping of four traditional abra stations along Dubai Creek. Used by 14 million passengers annually, the revamp will enhance the experience and safety at marine stations. The four key stations include, Bur Dubai Model Station, Deira Old Souq Station, Dubai Old Souq Station, and Sabkha Station.
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA said, "The launch of this project is part of RTA’s master plan for overhauling marine transport systems in Dubai, which is recognised as a primary mobility mode, and enriching the marine transport network in the emirate. The plan envisages the development of four key stations: Bur Dubai Model Station, Deira Old Souq Station, Dubai Old Souq Station, and Sabkha Station."
The project aims to fulfil the requirements of the Dubai Universal Design Code for People of Determination. It aims to increase the capacity of Bur Dubai Station by 33%. Furthermore, RTA has installed remote monitoring devices and sensors onboard marine transport modes, and it conducts rigorous testing to validate the precision of the data.
Speaking about the marine transport sector and its improvement, His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer said, "Marine transport has seen consistent growth in terms of the transportation modes, stations, and riders since the inauguration of the Dubai Water Canal linking the Dubai Creek to the coastal area. The sector is poised to see further improvement with the completion of the urban and touristic amenities on the shores of the canal and construction of marine stations. It plans to make marine transport means the ideal mobility choice for citizens, residents and tourists savouring picturesque tourist and urban structures overlooking the Dubai Creek, Water Canal and beaches."
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer added, "The revamping of Bur Dubai model station took into consideration maintaining the historic and cultural identity, providing advanced amenities for users, building a sheltered outdoor space, offering retail outlets to serve abra riders and visitors, and upgrading the technological systems of the station. In a commitment to sustainability, the materials used in construction are environmentally friendly and durable, which will cut maintenance costs and extend asset lifespan by 10 per cent, besides reducing carbon emissions."
With the revamping, RTA aims to achieve a 97% rating on the marine means availability index and considerable savings in maintenance costs. Besides this, RTA has also started revamping the Deira Old Souq station and charted plans to develop the Old Dubai Souq and Al Sabkha stations in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Soon, RTA plans to introduce a real-time monitoring system empowered by artificial intelligence to analyse data, predict faults and plan for the required spare parts.