Dubai Metro Blue Line: Giant tunnel boring machine Al Wugeisha completes first underground station as excavation moves to Al Warqaa

Dubai: Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced a major milestone in the construction of the Dubai Metro Blue Line, with its giant tunnel boring machine (TBM) 'Al Wugeisha' completing excavation works at Dragon Mart Station – the first underground station on the new metro line. The machine has successfully tunnelled 1,200 metres from International City 1 Station to Dragon Mart Station and is now being prepared for its next phase: excavating a further 1,400 metres towards Al Warqaa Station. A team of 580 engineers, technicians and workers continues to work around the clock to keep the project on schedule. Photo by Ashok Verma A complete underground factory During a media tour organised by the RTA, journalists visited the construction site at Dragon Mart Station, located more than 20 metres below ground. Officials described Al Wugeisha as a "complete underground factory", capable of carrying out multiple operations simultaneously. While excavating the tunnel, the machine also installs the concrete lining rings that form the tunnel structure, significantly reducing construction time. Photo by Ashok Verma The machine has achieved an exceptional excavation rate of 30 metres per day, almost double the conventional tunnelling speed of 13 to 17 metres per day. According to the RTA, this performance has been made possible through the machine's specialised design for Dubai's soil conditions, extensive geological studies carried out before construction, and the use of advanced engineering technologies. Three tunnel boring machines working simultaneously RTA officials said the Blue Line project is using three giant tunnel boring machines at the same time, with each assigned to a different section of the underground alignment. This allows construction to progress simultaneously at multiple locations, accelerating the overall project timeline. Before beginning its next journey towards Al Warqaa, Al Wugeisha will undergo routine maintenance and preparations within the technical passage at Dragon Mart Station. Photo by Ashok Verma Smart safety systems The tunnel boring machine is equipped with intelligent sensors and digital monitoring systems that continuously analyse excavation conditions and detect any changes that could indicate potential risks. Officials said the system allows engineers to respond proactively, ensuring the highest safety standards throughout construction. Because the excavation is taking place more than 20 metres underground, residents and motorists are not affected by construction activities. The depth of the works prevents noise, vibration and other disturbances from reaching the surface. Dragon Mart Station Photo by Ashok Verma Dragon Mart Station will have a total built-up area of approximately 39,480 square metres. Construction is being carried out using a top-down construction method, where the station roof is built first before excavation and construction continue underneath. According to the RTA, this approach improves safety while speeding up construction. The station site currently employs 580 engineers, technicians and workers, operating in shifts 24 hours a day to ensure continuous progress. About the Dubai Metro Blue Line The use of the latest tunnelling technologies and an integrated manufacturing system has helped the project stay on schedule. (Supplied) The Dubai Metro Blue Line is one of the RTA's flagship public transport projects and will connect the existing Red Line and Green Line. The line will feature: 14 stations 3 interchange stations 7 elevated stations 4 underground stations The project will serve nine key districts expected to accommodate around one million residents, in line with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. The Blue Line is also expected to support Dubai's 20-minute city vision by enabling residents to reach more than 80 per cent of essential services within 20 minutes through public transport. According to the RTA, the project is expected to generate more than AED56.5 billion in economic and social benefits by 2040, increase land and property values around stations by up to 25 per cent, and reduce traffic congestion on roads served by the line by around 20 per cent.