RTA revenues set to hit over Dh4b

The Roads and Transports Authority (RTA) approved its budget for 2013, with total revenues expected to raise up to Dh4.079 billion, revealed Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the authority. The total approved expenditure budget amounted to Dh6.242 billion, comprising an operational budget of Dh3.022 billion and capital and projects budget of Dh3.22 billion.   “Total revenues expected for this year amount to Dh4.079 billion, marking 11 per cent increase compared with 2012. Projects budget is estimated as Dh3.15 billion which will be allocated for the construction of about 100 projects comprising 45 new projects spanning roads, marine transport, public transport and operational buildings in addition to completing works in 55 projects currently underway,” announced Al Tayer.   “Thirty seven per cent of the RTA budget is allocated to the Rail Agency, 34 per cent to Traffic and Roads Agency, 15 per cent to the Public Transport Agency, and the remaining 14 per cent will be allocated to the Licensing Agency as well as the Corporate Administrative and Technical Support Services,” he stated.   “The Dubai government is continuing with the development of the infrastructure, including road and transport projects, as it recognises that investment in the infrastructure is the core driver of the economy of any city worldwide. In 2013, the RTA will complete the construction of several projects currently underway, and undertake a number of new projects. Among the key projects to be continued this year is the Safouh Tramway; which runs 14km along Safouh Road; where the initial phase of the project is slated for completion in November 2014.   “The RTA will complete the construction of internal roads in residential areas where projects under construction include: Khawaneej 1, Barsha 1, 2 and 3, Warqaa 1, 2, 3 and 4, Al Quoz 2 and 3, Al Qusais 3 and Hatta at a total cost of about Dh176 million. The RTA will also complete the project of the parallel roads supporting Shaikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road and the cost of works set for this year amounts to Dh513 million. New projects to be undertaken this year include internal roads at Muhaisnah 2 and Barsha South 1 and 2 as per the 5-Year Plan (2012 – 2016) for paving internal roads in a number of residential areas in Dubai Emirate at an aggregate cost of about Dh1 billion,” he added. Khaleejtimes