The Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) delegation witnessed the technical trial run of the Dubai Metro on the test track at Wadaoki Plant in Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Mihara City, Japan.

RTA Chairman of the Board and Executive Director Mattar Al Tayer termed the test as fully successful.

“The train moved smoothly without any wobbling, sounds or noises; as it is electrically-driven. It started at a speed of 30 kilometres/hour before accelerating to 60 kilometre/hour and the test ride was made with and without a driver.”

Al Tyer said next April RTA will conduct another trial run for the metro in Dubai on the new test track site that runs 11 kilometres from Ibn Battuta Station to Jebel Ali Depot, including a 3.4 kilometres at grade track,” added Al Tayer.

Dubai Metro is considered the biggest driverless metro project implemented as one unit across the world. Total cost of the two lines (Red and Green Lines) is about Dh15 billion.

He said the train was a crucial milestone in the path of implementing Dubai Metro Project. Following the trial run, Al Tayer expressed delight over the caliber of work done. “We are proud of this partnership” he said.

“In view of the commitment & serious attitude shown by the Contractor to deliver the works at the highest standards and according to schedule, we are confident that the vital Dubai Metro Project will be delivered on time”  Al Tayer added.

The technical test was conducted in the presence of UAE Ambassador to Japan Saeed Al Nuwais, CEO of Marine Agency Mohammad Obaid Al Mulla, CEO of Rail Agency engineer Abdulmajeed Al Khaja, Director of Marketing & Corporate Communication Department Dr. Aysha Al Busmait, Director of Rail Planning & Development Department engineer Abdulrida Abu Alhassan, and Director of Marine Projects Department engineer Khalid Al Zahid.

Senior executives of the contractor of Dubai Metro Project also witnessed the trial run.

The delegation members watched the experiment that millions of people in the UAE and the region have been waiting for. They boarded the train which moved on a test track extending 800 meters and made seven full round trips.

“Trial runs will continue till shipment of the train next February so as to ascertain all test results, which cover various aspects such as braking, air-conditioning, power supply, air supply, coupling (of train carriages) disconnection of electrical current, rail surveillance & control system, and functional tests of the train.”

“It also covers several tests related to doors carried out by the contractor, such as repeated opening & shutting of doors, role of doors while the train is in motion, and tests related to door control knobs,” said Al Tayer.-TradeArabia News Service