Suhail Al Mazrouei Unveils AED 170 Billion Investment Plan For Roads And Transport Projects By 2030

A comprehensive AED170 billion package for national transport and road projects is set to be implemented in the UAE by 2030. Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, shared this during the UAE Government Annual Meetings in Abu Dhabi. The initiative aims to alleviate traffic congestion and improve mobility across the nation.

The strategy encompasses expanding major roads, enhancing public transport, and introducing high-speed and light rail projects. This approach aligns with the UAE's vision of accommodating population growth while ensuring a better quality of life for its residents. The ministry plans to boost federal road efficiency by 73% over five years.

Key upgrades include increasing lanes on major highways. Etihad Road will see an addition of six lanes, three in each direction, boosting capacity by 60%. Emirates Road will expand to 10 lanes, enhancing capacity by 65% and reducing travel time by 45%. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road will also widen to 10 lanes, improving capacity by 45%.

A study is underway for a fourth federal highway stretching 120 kilometers with 12 lanes. This new route aims to handle up to 360,000 trips daily, further easing traffic flow. These efforts align with leadership directives to develop smart infrastructure supporting comprehensive development.

The ministry has initiated a project to upgrade Emirates Road at an estimated cost of AED750 million, expected to complete within two years. This project is part of broader plans for a more advanced and sustainable federal road network that meets rapid population and economic growth demands.

Addressing traffic congestion remains a national priority for both federal and local entities in the UAE. Efforts focus on strengthening roads infrastructure, enhancing public transport networks' efficiency, and reducing reliance on private vehicles.

Innovative Solutions for Traffic Management

Al Mazrouei highlighted that developing traffic policies tailored to urban growth is crucial for smooth traffic flow. The ministry collaborates with local entities on plans addressing traffic challenges through updated policies and regulations.

An integrated 24-hour traffic monitoring center analyzes congestion causes and proposes solutions. Innovative mobility options are being introduced to encourage public transport use over private vehicles.

Railway Network Expansion

The Etihad Rail project is progressing towards launching passenger services by 2026. This initiative aims to provide an integrated railway network that enhances connectivity between cities while reducing congestion.

The AED50 billion UAE Railway Programme reflects the nation's commitment to strengthening the transport sector and promoting road safety. Al Mazrouei emphasized that "the network will strengthen connectivity between cities and communities, reduce traffic congestion, and meet passenger needs in accordance with the highest international standards."

The number of vehicles on UAE roads has increased annually by over 8%, compared to a global average of 2%. Factors contributing include heavy reliance on private vehicles, overlapping work and school hours, and continuous population growth.

The Ministry is exploring enhancements to existing highways linking Emirates while developing new routes through national projects at both local and federal levels. These initiatives aim at improving integration of transport networks across the country.

With inputs from WAM