With the upcoming launch of two new Salik toll gates in Dubai by the end of November, the city is gearing up to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion on key roads. The CEO of Salik Company PJSC, Ibrahim Al Haddad, highlighted that the gates at Business Bay Crossing on Al Khail Road and Al Safa South on Sheikh Zayed Road will bring the total number of Salik gates in Dubai to 10. The installation of these new gates is expected to ease traffic and improve the movement of vehicles, as per a study conducted by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
The Business Bay Crossing gate is projected to decrease traffic congestion on Al Khail Road by 12 to 15 percent and on Al Rabat Street by 10 to 16 percent. On the other hand, Al Safa South gate aims to enhance traffic flow allocation between Financial Center Street and Meydan Street, reduce right-turn traffic volume from Sheikh Zayed Road to Meydan Street by 15 percent, and divert traffic to wider streets like First Al Khail Street and Al Asayel Street.
The new Al Safa South gate will be linked with the existing northern Al Safa gate, allowing for a single payment for vehicles passing through both gates within an hour in the same direction. The existing toll gates in Dubai have already contributed to reducing total travel time across the emirate by an estimated 6 million hours annually and increasing the number of public transport users by around 9 million passengers annually.
The two new toll gates are expected to be operational by the end of November and will be solar-powered, aligning with Dubai’s environmental goals. As for potential fee hikes, any adjustments to tariff rates will be decided by the RTA and approved by Dubai’s Executive Council. There are currently no fixed plans for additional toll gates in Dubai, as the introduction of new gates depends on traffic and congestion levels.
The total construction cost for both Salik gates is approximately Dh65 million, with a repayment plan agreed upon with RTA over a six-year period. These investments aim to enhance transportation efficiency in Dubai and improve traffic flow across road networks. Salik’s revenue has shown positive growth, with an increase in revenue-generating trips and total revenue during the first half of 2024, reflecting the demand for their services and the city’s economic activity.
In conclusion, the introduction of the new Salik toll gates in Dubai is expected to have a positive impact on traffic congestion reduction and further enhance the efficiency of transportation in the city. With a focus on sustainability and innovation, Salik is set to continue its role in supporting Dubai’s growth and development as a leading commercial and tourism hub.
