Helipads to be built along Dubai Metro line for emergencies

DUBAI // Helipads will be constructed at three locations near the Dubai Metro for use during emergencies and medical evacuations.

The Roads and Transport Authority said the helipads in Rashidiya, Qusais and Jebel Ali will trim the response time of emergency services.

The plan was announced in a meeting between the RTA and the Dubai Police focusing on protection of Dubai metro and tram riders.

The meeting also reviewed measures to improve safety along the tram route.

Traffic studies commissioned by the RTA to improve traffic efficiency at junctions at Jumeirah Beach Residence were reviewed.

International consultants were engaged to measure the impact of modifications including closure of left-turns at junctions to improve safety at intersections, the RTA statement said.

Dubai Police operate at metro and tram stations. For the metro, policemen are deployed in 25 locations and the tram is manned by 230 officers.

Three mounted patrols and four motorcycles are deployed through the day, the RTA said.

Other plans include banning vehicles from parking along the road leading to The Walk, elongating the path to the left-turn at the 414 junction for inbound traffic from Qarn Al Sabkha Street in the direction of JBR, removing a bus stop and adding a right-hand lane.

The meeting was led by Mattar Al Tayer, director general and chairman of the RTA board of directors and Major General Khamis Mattar Al Muzainah, commander-in-chief of Dubai Police.