Dubai to Add Two More Toll Gates on Major Roads
The two locations have been selected based on extensive traffic movement studies by the RTA
Dubai’s Salik Expansion: Optimizing Traffic and Enhancing Mobility Solutions
Dubai’s Salik Company PJSC, the exclusive toll gate operator, is set to enhance its role in traffic management with the addition of two new toll gates on critical routes. The new gates, strategically located at Business Bay Crossing on Al Khail Road and Al Safa South on Sheikh Zayed Road, aim to optimize traffic flow and reduce congestion, aligning with the Roads and Transport Authority’s (RTA) vision for efficient urban mobility.
Strategic Gate Placements to Alleviate Congestion
The Business Bay Crossing gate, positioned on Al Khail Road, is expected to be a game-changer, improving traffic congestion by 12 to 15%. It will specifically address the traffic volume on Al Rabat Street, aiming to reduce it by 10-16%. Meanwhile, the Al Safa South gate, strategically placed on Sheikh Zayed Road, intends to reduce right-turn traffic volume from Sheikh Zayed Road to Meydan Street by 15%. Additionally, it seeks to optimize traffic flow on key streets such as Financial Centre, First Al Khail, and Al Asayel streets.
These locations were meticulously selected based on extensive traffic studies conducted by the RTA. The objective is to manage traffic distribution effectively, rerouting some traffic to alternative routes with greater capacity. This approach aims to facilitate smoother and more efficient travel for all motorists in Dubai.
Technology-Driven Tolling System for Seamless Transactions
Salik’s tolling system, powered by Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, ensures seamless and efficient transactions. Each time a vehicle equipped with a Salik sticker tag passes through a toll gate, the RFID system detects the vehicle, and a toll fee of Dh4 is automatically deducted from the motorist’s prepaid toll account. The two new toll gates, following the model of Al Mamzar North and South, will be linked, enabling motorists to be charged only once if they pass through both gates within one hour in the same direction.
Strategic Growth Plan and Contribution to Dubai’s Urban Vision
The addition of these toll gates reflects Salik’s strategic growth plan outlined during its initial public offering. Ibrahim Sultan Al Haddad, CEO of Salik, highlighted that these new gates represent a milestone in enhancing Dubai’s transport infrastructure with smart and sustainable mobility solutions. The move aligns with the RTA’s broader objective of optimizing travel time and alleviating traffic congestion, contributing to Dubai’s Urban Plan 2040.
Diversifying Revenue Streams Beyond Toll Operations
Salik, known for recording approximately 539 million journeys through its toll gates in 2022, is poised for increased annual revenue-generating trips with the launch of the new gates. Beyond toll operations, Salik is strategically diversifying its revenue streams. In a significant expansion move, Salik will operate parking services at Dubai Mall, a prominent location with over 13,000 parking spaces. The parking system, expected to commence in the third quarter of 2024, will leverage automatic number plate recognition and RFID technology similar to Salik tolls. Charges for the parking services are yet to be defined by Emaar Malls. This expansion marks Salik’s commitment to evolving into a comprehensive mobility solutions provider, extending beyond traditional toll operations.
As the two new toll gates become operational in November, Salik anticipates not only easing traffic congestion but also contributing to Dubai’s vision of a smart and interconnected urban landscape. Through these strategic initiatives, Salik aims to play a pivotal role in shaping Dubai’s future mobility solutions.
