Damascus Metro
Encyclopedia
The Damascus Metro is a proposed Metro
line network in Damascus
, Syria
scheduled to open in early 2016. The Green Line will be the first step of development of the future public transport network.
Feasibility studies carried out by international consultants in 2002 have designed what could be the future Metro network, whose first stage will be the Green Line, between Moadamiyeh and Qaboun. The other means of public transportation (bus, microbus, train) will also be integrated to this future network, to optimize the synergy between these various modes.
will propose mitigation measures which will include the implementation of archaeological digs along the proposed corridor prior to the construction of the metro. These digs will help to identify the presence of potential archaeological relics which will therefore be avoided during the construction stage. If archaeological ruins are identified during the construction of the metro, the necessary steps will be taken in order to protect and preserve the artifacts. Archaeological ruins found during the construction of the metro could be displayed in the new stations, as is the case for metro projects around the world such as in Athens
, Paris
and Moscow
. These will improve the aesthetics of the stations and will attract visitors.
This partnership includes Damascus Governorate
(Directorate of Traffic and Transport Engineering), the European Investment Bank, and the French-Lebanese joint-venture carrying out the implementation options study.
the Governorate of Damascus, through the Directorate of Traffic and Transport Engineering, is in charge of supervising this project from the preliminary studies to the operation phase. The Metro project management unit is currently managing the preliminary studies, which is being carried out by international consultants.
The socio-demographic analysis will be based mainly on the population and housing census, conducted by the Central Bureau of Statistics
in 2004. It is expected to undertake six limited “censuses” to cater for the potential households to be displaced and housing units and economic establishments to be destroyed, depending on the different scenarios of final metro routing.
In addition a few workshops will be organized with the main stake holders, representing government officials and Non Governmental Organizations representatives, to present the findings of the study, and to finalize its recommendations. Based on all these activities, the final report will be presented.
, under its Facility for Euro-Mediterranean Investment and Partnership (FEMIP).
In January 2010, The European Investment Bank has expressed readiness to contribute about 300 million euros to help finance the metro project and the French government has pledged to contribute 250 million euros.
) with major centers of activity (universities, city center). It is the busiest corridor, and follows the major road axes. It will link major transport hubs (Sumariuyah bus station, Qaboun Pullman station, and the future Hejaz Train Station
).
Rapid transit
A rapid transit, underground, subway, elevated railway, metro or metropolitan railway system is an electric passenger railway in an urban area with a high capacity and frequency, and grade separation from other traffic. Rapid transit systems are typically located either in underground tunnels or on...
line network in Damascus
Damascus
Damascus , commonly known in Syria as Al Sham , and as the City of Jasmine , is the capital and the second largest city of Syria after Aleppo, both are part of the country's 14 governorates. In addition to being one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Damascus is a major...
, Syria
Syria
Syria , officially the Syrian Arab Republic , is a country in Western Asia, bordering Lebanon and the Mediterranean Sea to the West, Turkey to the north, Iraq to the east, Jordan to the south, and Israel to the southwest....
scheduled to open in early 2016. The Green Line will be the first step of development of the future public transport network.
Feasibility studies carried out by international consultants in 2002 have designed what could be the future Metro network, whose first stage will be the Green Line, between Moadamiyeh and Qaboun. The other means of public transportation (bus, microbus, train) will also be integrated to this future network, to optimize the synergy between these various modes.
Feasibility Study
The city of Damascus is well known for its numerous ancient buildings, ruins and artifacts, especially in Old Damascus. According to the first stage of public consultation, the impact of the project on these historical sites was a big concern for a lot of people. The European Investment BankEuropean Investment Bank
The European Investment Bank is the European Union's long-term lending institution established in 1958 under the Treaty of Rome. A policy-driven bank, the EIB supports the EU’s priority objectives, especially European integration and the development of economically weak regions...
will propose mitigation measures which will include the implementation of archaeological digs along the proposed corridor prior to the construction of the metro. These digs will help to identify the presence of potential archaeological relics which will therefore be avoided during the construction stage. If archaeological ruins are identified during the construction of the metro, the necessary steps will be taken in order to protect and preserve the artifacts. Archaeological ruins found during the construction of the metro could be displayed in the new stations, as is the case for metro projects around the world such as in Athens
Athens
Athens , is the capital and largest city of Greece. Athens dominates the Attica region and is one of the world's oldest cities, as its recorded history spans around 3,400 years. Classical Athens was a powerful city-state...
, Paris
Paris
Paris is the capital and largest city in France, situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region...
and Moscow
Moscow
Moscow is the capital, the most populous city, and the most populous federal subject of Russia. The city is a major political, economic, cultural, scientific, religious, financial, educational, and transportation centre of Russia and the continent...
. These will improve the aesthetics of the stations and will attract visitors.
Construction
The Green Line project has involved key partners from the beginning of the preliminary studies.This partnership includes Damascus Governorate
Damascus Governorate
Damascus Governorate is one of the 14 governorates of Syria and consists of only the city of Damascus and the suburb of Yarmouk....
(Directorate of Traffic and Transport Engineering), the European Investment Bank, and the French-Lebanese joint-venture carrying out the implementation options study.
the Governorate of Damascus, through the Directorate of Traffic and Transport Engineering, is in charge of supervising this project from the preliminary studies to the operation phase. The Metro project management unit is currently managing the preliminary studies, which is being carried out by international consultants.
Social impact of the project
The study aims at foreseeing the potential impact of the “Metro Green Line” on Damascus population in general, and the population in the agglomerations surrounding the metro line in particular. It will be based on two major activities:- In depth socio-demographic analysis of the population in the agglomerations surrounding the metro line, and potential impact of the line on the living conditions of the concerned population.
- Field surveys covering the affected households, housing units, and economic establishments.
The socio-demographic analysis will be based mainly on the population and housing census, conducted by the Central Bureau of Statistics
Central Bureau of Statistics (Syria)
The Central Bureau of Statistics is the statistical agency responsible for the gathering of "information relating to economic, social and general activities and conditions" in the Syrian Arab Republic. The office is answerable to the office of the Prime Minister and has its main offices in Damascus...
in 2004. It is expected to undertake six limited “censuses” to cater for the potential households to be displaced and housing units and economic establishments to be destroyed, depending on the different scenarios of final metro routing.
In addition a few workshops will be organized with the main stake holders, representing government officials and Non Governmental Organizations representatives, to present the findings of the study, and to finalize its recommendations. Based on all these activities, the final report will be presented.
Funding of the Metro
The preliminary studies are funded by a grant from the European UnionEuropean Union
The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 independent member states which are located primarily in Europe. The EU traces its origins from the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Economic Community , formed by six countries in 1958...
, under its Facility for Euro-Mediterranean Investment and Partnership (FEMIP).
In January 2010, The European Investment Bank has expressed readiness to contribute about 300 million euros to help finance the metro project and the French government has pledged to contribute 250 million euros.
Lines
After completion, Damascus metro will include 4 lines, The Green line (due in 2016), The Red Line, The Yellow Line, and The Blue Line. The Green Line will connect dense residential areas (Moadamiyeh, MezzehMezzeh
Mezzeh is a relatively new neighborhood of Damascus, Syria. It lies to the southwest of central Damascus, along the Mezzeh highway. It started gaining importance when the French constructed the Mezzeh military airport there, which was the main airport in Damascus until Damascus International...
) with major centers of activity (universities, city center). It is the busiest corridor, and follows the major road axes. It will link major transport hubs (Sumariuyah bus station, Qaboun Pullman station, and the future Hejaz Train Station
Hejaz Train Station
Hejaz Train Station is a main train station located in central Damascus, Syria close to the Marjeh Square. It was built by the Ottomans between 1913 and 1917 as the northern terminus of the Hejaz railway. The railway was intended to ferry pilgrims to Medina and was designed by the Spanish...
).