Dubai’s Roads & Transport Authority has awarded the contract for a new 49 km metro line to a consortium led by PB. The Dubai Metro Purple will operate between the existing Dubai International Airport and the new Jebel Ali International Airport, which is currently under construction. There will be six intermediate stations between the two airport terminals.

The average speed of the Purple Line trains will be 100 km/h, with a maximum speed 135 km/h and 160 km/h. The trip between the two airports will take about 40 minutes, including stopping at stations. Completion is expected in 2012.

The consortium lead by PB team will be responsible for delivery of the complete railway, including rolling stock; railway systems; civil and structural works; architectural and builder’s works; mechanical and electrical systems; start-up, testing and commissioning; and defects liability. Other members of the project team include RMJM (architecture), Meinhardt Aviation (baggage handling) and AVSECO (airport security).