The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has awarded consultancy contracts for Dubai’s rail masterplan and the second phase of the Dubai Tram network.

The UK’s Atkins has been awarded the contract for the rail masterplan and a team of France’s Systra with the US’ Aecom has won the consultancy role for the tram.

The rail masterplan study will update and modify the RTA’s proposed future metro lines and other public transport networks such as the tram. It will also consider other rail systems such as personal rapid transit (PRT).

The transport agency’s latest 2030 masterplan includes a 421-kilometre-long railway network with 197 stations.

There are several possible metro new lines, including:

• Red line extension from Rashidiya to Mirdif City Centre
• Red line extension connecting to Dubai Parks and Dubai Waterfront
• Green line extension from Al-Jadaf to Academic City
• Green line extension from Ras al-Khor to Meydan
• Green line extension to Sharjah border
• Purple line connecting Dubai International airport and Al-Maktoum International airport
• Pink line running along Umm Suqeim Road
• Gold line running from Bur Dubai up to Emirates Road and back to Dubai Media City area

WSP Parsons Brinckerhoff completed the earlier transit study.

The second phase of Dubai Tram will link the depot at the end of the first phase of the existing network to the Mall of the Emirates metro station on Sheikh Zayed Road. The track will run through Dubai Holding’s Jumeirah Central development.

A third phase is also planned by the RTA that will run from Mall of the Emirates along Jumeirah Beach Road to Union House at the junction of 2 December Street, which was formerly known as Al-Dhiyafa Street. The third phase could also connect to the Dubai Metro, at the Al-Jafliya station in the Satwa area.

The first phase of the tram opened in 2014. It was built by a team of France’s Alstom and the local/Belgian Bel Hasa Six Construct. Systra was the consultant.