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for the year 2009 On the regulation of railways in ‫ ﺑﺸﺄن ﺗﻨﻈﻴﻢ اﻟﺴﻜﻚ اﻟﺤﺪﻳﺪﻳﺔ ﻓﻲ دﺑﻲ‬2009
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 Regulation No (5) for the year 2009
On
the regulation of railways in the Emirate of Dubai

We, Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai -
President of the Executive Board,

Following the Law No. 3/ 2003 on the establishment of the Dubai Executive Council,
the law No. 17/ 2005 on the establishment of the Roads and Transport Authority,
the law No. 18/2006 on managing and ensuring the public funds of the Government of
Dubai,
Decree No. 41/2008 on the security force for transportation sector in the Emirate of
Dubai,
And the Executive Council Resolution No 8/ 2006 on the establishment of RTA
Agencies and adoption of it’s corporate and organizational structure,

issue the following regulation: --

Article (1)

This regulation shall hereinafter be called " Dubai Railway Regulation No. 5/2009."

Article (2)

The following words and phrases shall carry the meanings set forth, unless the context
indicates otherwise:

Emirate: Emirate of Dubai.

Authority: Roads and Transport Authority.
Chairman of the Board of Directors: Chairman of the Board and CEO of RTA
Agency: Rail Agency of the body.
Safety Regulation Authority: Planning and Safety regulation department
RTA.
Railway: railway transportation systems designed to transport passengers and goods,
guided by specific tracks designed for the movement of the rails either a single or dual
track system or any other direction system, including the heavy railways, light
railways, mono rail service, tramway and railway for maintenance or freight terminals
.
Infrastructure: all establishments, facilities, systems and software necessary to
operate railways and to enable them to work safely, including but not limited to rail
way tracks and associated track structures, service roads, signaling systems,
communications systems, rail controlling systems , signaling systems, notices and
signs, the electric power supply, electric traction systems, the associated buildings,
stations, warehouses, machinery, equipment, structures, corridors, pass ways, tunnels,
bridges, sidewalks, barriers (iron gates), associated works, the work of sanitation, and
any construction or rail-related work.

Railway vehicle: any vehicle that uses the infrastructure of the railway, including
locomotives, engines, trains, trams, and light inspection vehicle, self-propelled
maintenance vehicle, freight wagons, monorail vehicle.
Operations: the operation, movement or cause the operation or the movement of
railway vehicles designed for transportation or for carrying out maintenance,
modification works and development of infrastructure or railway vehicles.

Owner: any public or private company/ authority that owns the infrastructure of the
railway or railway vehicles, or both for the purposes of transportation.

Operator: the authorized party for the operation or maintenance of the railway
infrastructure or railway vehicles, or both for the purposes of transportation.

Contractor: the natural or legal person designated by the owner or the operator for
the purpose of carrying out the works related to railways, or execution of any work
that requires obtaining of permits or no objection certificates from the agency or
safety regulation authority.

Consultant: the natural or legal person who is offering advices/consultations on

engineering, technical, or any other matter related to railways.

Demonstration or Evidence of safety: the documents which prove that the railway
infrastructure and railway vehicles, as well as safety management system applied in
the operation and transportation systems are suitable for safe operation.

Safety requirements: the set of rules and standards that needs to be adhered while
designing of the railway infrastructure, railway vehicles and safety management
system which aims to eliminate or minimize the risk of the accidents frequency within
the internationally adopted limits in this regard.

Safety certificate: the certificate issued by the Safety regulation authority of the
owner, which demonstrate the safety of the railway infrastructure or railway vehicles,
or both.

Operational Safety certificate: the certificate issued by the safety regulation

authority of the operator, which includes the consent/ approval to commence the rail
transport service operation based on the evidence of safety.

Accident: the unexpected and undesirable occurrence directly associated with railway
operations, its railway infrastructure, which result or may result in human casualties
or damage to property.

Technical Investigation: a technical investigation aims to identify the root cause of

the accident and its consequences, identify the means to handle/address them and
ensure the non-recurrence of the same.

Inspector: the RTA staff authorized to verify the safety of railway infrastructure and
railway vehicles operation, carry out technical investigation of accidents, check the
acts that are in contravention of the provisions of this regulation, and to recommend
necessary and urgent actions to address any action or development or matter that may
affect or pose a threat to the safety of the use of railways.
Article (3)

This regulation shall aim to achieve the following: --

1 - organize the establishment and operation of railways in the Emirate, including the
Free Zone areas, in accordance with the safety and quality requirements, and pursuant
to the best international standards and practices applicable in this regard to ensure the
suitability of the purpose which it was established for.

2 - separate the functions of authorizing the establishment of the railways and the
functions of safety regulation related to it’s operation, given the importance of its
safety aspects and assurance of its self-determination to provide maximum safety
levels and safe transport operation by railways.

Article (4)

For the purposes of this regulation/ order, RTA shall undertake the following: --
1 - Plan and develop railway networks in the Emirate, and supervise its planning and
development within the free zones and ensure the integration of different transport
systems in the Emirate.
2 - Make sure that the permits, issued by the agency or the certificates issued by the
safety regulation authority or the technical investigation of accidents, are free of any
conflict of interest, and that they are carried out with complete independence from the
owners and operators and rail contractors and other entities that have a relation in this
area.
3 - Conclude contracts and agreements with any party/ authority within or outside the
Emirate to participate and contribute in every matter related to transportation of goods
and passengers by railways.

Article (5)

The agency shall undertake to carry out the roles and responsibilities as follow: --

1 – Provide proposals of policies and plans deemed necessary in respect to planning

and development of railway networks in the emirate and supervise on it.
2 - Issue permits for the establishment of the railway infrastructure, the provision of
railway vehicles, and any other work in relation to the development and maintenance
of railway systems in the Emirate.
3 - Adopt the specifications, technical requirements and performance standards for
systems and railway networks and infrastructure in the Emirate.
4 – Adopt the bases and criteria for qualification and approval of railway contractors,
consultants and operators, monitor their compliance, and issue no-objection
certificates for their commercial/business licenses.
5 - Cooperate and coordinate with the concerned authorities within or outside the
Emirate to achieve integration between the railway systems and other means of
transportation.
6 - Issue NOCs for construction, demolition and excavation of the railway
surroundings or the railway infrastructure.
7 – Define the construction establishments and activities that are prohibited within the
railway infrastructure sites or the surrounding areas, in coordination with the
concerned authorities in the Emirate.
8 - Identify restricted activities that may be conducted within the railway vicinity or
railway infrastructure in coordination with the concerned authorities in the Emirate,
and issue NOCs to them.
9 - any other roles or functions related to the implementation of this regulation or
decisions issued under it.

Article (6)

The safety regulation authority undertakes to carry out the following: --

1 – Issue safety certificates to the railway infrastructure and railway vehicles owners.
2 - Issue operational safety certificate to the operators, and verify their compliance to
the requirements of this certificate.
3 - Check the compliance of legislations, by all parties, related to ensuring the
railways operation safety.
4 - Review the evidences of safety and protection of workers in the field of public
transports, passengers and the public from the risks that threaten the health and safety
arising from railway operations.
5 - Carry out the evaluation, analysis and research on the railway systems in order to
achieve a more secure/safe transport system.
6 - Develop and implement plans and programs to carry out inspection of the railway
networks and infrastructure, and railway vehicles to verify its operational safety.
7 – Carry out technical investigation into the incidents separately from the security
and criminal investigation, and reopen the investigation if there are new evidences.
8 - Provide necessary recommendations to improve the safety level in the aftermath of
incidents in order to prevent future recurrences.
9 - Any other functions and powers relating to the implementation of this regulation
or decision issued under it.

Article (7)

No party shall be allowed to establish a railway network in the Emirate, develop,

maintain, or perform any work within the area allocated to the railway or its
surrounding or any outside activity that may affect the railway operation, unless a
prior permission obtained from the agency.

The By-laws of this regulation shall define the requirements for obtaining this permit
and necessary related documents to be produced at the time of issuance of the permit,
as well as the limits and the size of the area allocated to the railway and surrounding
area, and activities that may affect the safety of operation.

Article (8)

In order to grant the permit referred to in Article (7) of this regulation, the railway
systems shall be insured with a comprehensive insurance by any insurance company
authorized to operate in the Emirate.

Article (9)

No party shall engage in any activity that falls under the operator, consultant or
contractor’s jurisdiction and are related to railway infrastructure work unless qualified
and classified by the agency.
The By-laws of this regulation shall define the conditions and the requirements for
qualification and classification of these activities.

Article (10)

1 - The owner or the contractor shall, upon the completion of all work authorized by
the agency, proceed to the safety regulation authority to obtain the safety certificate;
this certificate shall be deemed valid for the work unless substantive changes to the
railway regulations, the railway infrastructure, or to the railway vehicles are made.
2 - The operator shall, prior to commencement of railway operation, proceed to safety
regulation authority to obtain the operational safety certificate, and the validity period
of this certificate shall be (5) years, unless terminated earlier for any of the reasons set
forth in this regulation or its by-laws.

3 - The by-laws of this regulation shall define the procedures and conditions for
obtaining the certificates referred to in clause (1) and (2) of this article and the
documents requirements shall also be met for the issuance of these certificates.

Article (11)

The party authorized for railway related works must comply with the following: --

1 – The technical terms and conditions and time-limit specified in the permit.
2 - Comply with the requirements and the specifications set forth in the evidence
approved by the agency in the implementation of the works authorized to them.
3 - Compliance with all safety requirements, including evidence of safety approved by
the safety regulation authority.
4 – the works authorized to them shall be completed in one go without any break.
5 – Return the condition- upon completion of the work - back where it was, in
accordance with the technical conditions and specifications approved by the agency
and concerned government entities in the Emirate.

Article (12)

Without prejudice to the provisions and the requirements of public safety set forth in
the current legislation, the owner, the operator and the contractor must comply with
the following:

1 - Take all necessary measures to reduce the risks arising from their engagement in
their work.
2 - Operate the railways in safe and sound way and that, by maintaining the
requirements of public/general safety during the railway operation in accordance with
the legislation in force in the area of safety and occupational health and safety
evidence/demonstration adopted by the safety regulation authority in this regard.
3 – Provide the safety regulation authority with the following information:
- Incidents and events that occur during the construction, operation and maintenance.
- Measures taken to strengthen public safety on the railways.
- Details on the comprehensive insurance.
- any data or statistical information required by the safety regulation authority.
4 – Avoid any action that would endanger the safety of others at risk during the use of
the railways or their vicinity.
5 – Maintain / protect the railways in accordance with the requirements of the safety
certification.
6 – Notify the safety regulations authority in advance of any substantive change
intended to take place in the systems and processes of the railways or its
infrastructure.

Article (13)

In case the owner, the operator or the contractor fails to abide - as per the situations -
in eliminating/ removing the causes of the offense committed by him, contrary to the
provisions of this regulation or decision issued pursuant to it, within the given time
limit, the RTA shall carry out the work by using its own resources or seeking help
from any other competent body/ company and shall make the offending party bear
the expenses of this procedure in addition to a (25%) of the costs value as an
administrative and supervisory expenses.

RTA’s estimate of the cost shall be final.

Article (14)

The owner or operator or contractor shall - as always - bear the responsibility of

compensation for any damage caused to public or private property.

Article (15)

The certification fees, stipulated in the schedule (1) attached to this regulation, shall
be paid as set out against each of them in the schedule.

Article (16)

In case of any accident involving the railways, the safety regulation authority has the
right to conduct technical investigation in it.
The By-laws of this regulation shall define the procedures and methods of the
investigation. In addition to the powers and measures that can be taken by the party in
charge, and the duties of those subject to it.

Article (17)

Any party shall not be allowed to carry out any work or refrain from it which could
jeopardize the railway infrastructure and railway vehicles and could pose a threat of
risk or tampering by any mean and in any way.

The By-laws of this regulation shall define the measures to be taken to protect the
railway infrastructure and railway vehicles, and acts which are prohibited to do.

Article (18)

Without prejudice to any greater penalty stipulated by any other legislation, anyone
who commits any of the offenses set forth in schedule No. (2) attached to this
regulation shall be penalized as set forth against each other in the schedule (2)

In addition to the penalty, the safety regulation authority has right to - as per the case -
take any of the following measures against the offender:
1 – stop the work until the causes of the violation is removed.
2 – Terminate or cancel the license granted to them.
3 – Terminate or cancel the safety certificate or the operational safety certificate.

Article (19)

RTA officers or inspectors, in whose name a decision/ resolution by the Chairman of

the Board has been made, shall have the status of law enforcement officers to prove
the acts which are in contravention of the provisions of this Regulation, its by-laws
and resolutions issued thereunder.
The by-laws shall define the functions and powers of the Inspectors in carrying out
the inspection and control of irregularities and technical investigation of accidents,
irregularities, custody and writing the reports /records.

Article (20)

Any stake holder has right to grievance appeal in writing on any of the decisions or
measures taken against him by the safety regulation authority or the agency during the
30 days from the date of notification of the decision or measure taken against him.

And this complaint shall be taken into consideration by the Committee constituted for
this purpose by a decision of the Chairman/president of the Board, and the Committee
shall decide on the appeal within (15) days from the date of submission, and the
decisions of the Grievance Committee shall be last & final.

Article (21)

RTA has right to seek help from government departments, agencies and public
bodies/authorities including the police personnel to assist in the application of the
provisions of this regulation, and these bodies/authorities shall assist them when
requested to do so.

Article (23)

The Chairman of the Board issues resolutions and regulations necessary to implement
this regulation.

Article (24)

This regulation shall be published in the Official Gazette and shall take effect from
the date of its publication.
 Schedule (1)
Provision of services and certification fees

S.N Description Fee (in AED)

Issuance of Safety certificate 2,000,000/- fixed
Issuance of safety certificate to all types of railway 2,000,000/-
1 vehicles
Issuance of safety certificate for every 200,000/-
storehouse/warehouse
Issuance of safety certificate for every station 75,000/-
Issuance of safety certificate for each operation control 40,000/-
center
Issuance of safety certificate for each Kilo meter of the 20,000/-
railway track

Issuance of operational safety certificate 2,000,000/- fixed

Issuance of operational safety certificate for each 400,000/-
2 storehouse / warehouse
Issuance of operational safety certificate for each 200,000/-
operation control center
Issuance of operational safety certificate for railway 40,000/-
vehicle
Issuance of operational safety certificate for each kilo 2000/-
meter of railway track
Issuance of operational safety certificate for each 2000/-
station

- An annual operational safety fee, which is (25%) of the total fees under this
schedule, shall be added as per the schedule (2) and shall be paid on yearly basis.
 Schedule (2)
Violations and Fines

S.N Violation Fine (in AED)

1 Work in the railway areas, whether planned or already 500,000/-
existing prior to obtaining a permit from the agency
2 Failure to notify/ report about the incidents or 500,000/-
accidents that are necessary to be reported
3 Failure to take necessary actions to remove the cause 500,000/-
of the offense within given period
4 Failure to notify the safety regulation authority on 500,000/-
substantive changes made to railways systems
5 Failure to provide required information to the safety 500,000/-
regulation authority including the measures taken to
enhance railway safety
6 Failure to provide a complete insurance required for 500,000/-
the operation of railways systems
7 Failure of the owner, the operator or the contractor to 500,000/-
abide by any commitment obligatory on him in
relation to the safety demonstration and provisions
8 Causing the occurrence of any accident 200,000/-
9 Stop or try to stop the inspector or any other person 200,000/-
acting under the supervision of the inspector from
receiving or executing of the instructions
 Administrative Decision No. (68) of 2010
Issuing the Implementing By-law of
Regulation No. (5) of 2009 Concerning
Railways in the Emirate of Dubai1
‫ـــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــــ‬
We, the Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of the
Roads and Transport Authority,

After perusal of Law No. (17) of 2005 Establishing the Roads and Transport
Authority, and
Regulation No. (5) of 2009 Concerning Railways in the Emirate of Dubai (hereinafter
referred to as the “Regulation”),

do hereby issue the following Decision:

Definitions
Article (1)

The words and expressions set forth in this Decision shall have the meanings
indicated in Article (2) of the Regulation. The following words and expressions shall
have the meaning indicated opposite each of them, unless the context implies
otherwise:
Branch Line: The area of Railway, Infrastructure and the Railway
Vehicles operating in it that is managed, owned or
controlled by a Person other than the one who operates
the Railway line connected to the Branch Line.
Safety: The absence of any risk of harm or damage to the
Railway, Railway Vehicles and Infrastructure, that is
deemed unacceptable to the Safety Regulation
Authority.
Construction: The erection of any new buildings or structures, or the
variations to the Infrastructure facilities or Railway
Vehicles.
Improvement Notice: A letter addressed by the Inspector to a Person who is
in breach of the provisions of the Regulation or its
Implementing By-law requesting him to take the
necessary action to remedy that breach within a
specific time limit.

© 2010 Government of Dubai Legal Affairs Department

1. Every effort has been made to produce an accurate and complete English version of this legislation.
However, for the purpose of its interpretation and application, reference must be made to the original
Arabic text. In case of conflict the Arabic text shall prevail.

Administrative Decision No. (68) of 2010 Issuing the Implementing By-law of Regulation No. (5) of 2009 Concerning Railways
in the Emirate of Dubai.

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Prohibition Notice: A letter addressed by the Inspector to the Owner,
Operator, Contractor or Consultant demanding the
suspension of works and implementation of the
necessary measures to manage potential risks.
Person: A natural Person, or a public or private legal Person.
Competent Authority: The Department of Economic Development or any
other entity authorised to issue trade licences in the
Emirate or in the UAE.
Infrastructure Protection
Code of Practice: The code issued by the Agency which specifies the
sites, areas, standards, procedures and requirements for
the protection of the Infrastructure.
Infrastructure Protection
Code of Practice Guidelines: Instructions issued by the Agency to indicate how the
Infrastructure Protection Code of Practice should be
implemented.
Railway Technical
Standards: The planning, engineering and technical rules,
requirements and standards issued by the Agency.
Infrastructure Protection
Zone: The Infrastructure sites and the surrounding areas
designated as such by the Infrastructure Protection
Code of Practice.
Restricted Activity: Any activity that may jeopardise the safety of
Infrastructure or affect its performance.
Prequalification No
Objection Certificate: A document issued by the Agency authorising a
Person to apply to the Competent Authorities to obtain
a trade licence to conduct business in relation to
Railways.
Restricted Activities No
Objection Certificate: A document issued by the Agency authorising a
Person to carry out a Restricted Activity within the
Infrastructure Protection Zone.
Permit: Written permission issued by the Agency for the
construction of Railway Infrastructure, supply of
Railway Vehicles and any other works related to the
development and maintenance of Railway systems in
the Emirate.

Objectives
Article (2)

This Decision aims to achieve the following:

Administrative Decision No. (68) of 2010 Issuing the Implementing By-law of Regulation No. (5) of 2009 Concerning Railways
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1. To ensure that the Railway in the Emirate is built and operated in a safe way and
that it serves the intended purpose;
2. To determine the requirements for issuing Safety Certificates, the Operational
Safety Certificates and Permits;
3. To lay down risk control measures related to Operation of the Railway;
4. To develop specific and permanent risk control monitoring mechanisms for the
Operation of the Railway.

Railway Safety Activities

Article (3)

Railway safety activities shall include, without limitation:

1. The design, establishment, modification, maintenance, inspection and test of

transport services and all activities related to Infrastructure, Railway Vehicles and
equipment, and verification that the Infrastructure is working properly;
2. The development, operation, maintenance, management and monitoring of the
transport service and passenger safety systems;
3. Driving or dispatching a Railway Vehicle, or performing any other activities
intended to control or affect the movement of any Railway Vehicle;
4. The installation and operation of signalling systems, and receiving and sending
notifications;
5. The coupling or decoupling of Railway Vehicles;
6. The installation and maintenance of:

a) Telecommunication systems used in the Infrastructure;

b) Direct electricity supply to the Infrastructure and all Railway Vehicles.

7. The granting of licences to Railway Vehicles and licences for the safety of
transport service Infrastructure.

Safety Certificates
Article (4)

Infrastructure and Railway Vehicles may not be operated for the transport of
passengers or any other commercial activity unless the Owner obtains a Safety
Certificate and the Operator obtains the Operational Safety Certificate.

Article (5)

1. Application for a Safety Certificate shall be submitted by the Owner, or his

representative, to the Safety Regulation Authority.
2. Application for an Operational Safety Certificate shall be submitted by the
Operator, or his representative, to the Safety Regulation Authority.

Administrative Decision No. (68) of 2010 Issuing the Implementing By-law of Regulation No. (5) of 2009 Concerning Railways
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3. The applications referred to in Paragraphs (1) and (2) of this Article shall be
submitted on special forms and in accordance with the procedures approved by the
Safety Regulation Authority in this regard, subject to the following conditions:

a. The application must include the scope and nature of the Operation activities;
b. Evidence of safety must be attached to the application;
c. The applicant must submit a written acknowledgment in which he declares
understanding and awareness of the safety risks and how to control and
minimize them as practically as possible;

d. Payment of the prescribed fees;

e. Submission of any other documents and fulfillment of any requirements
stipulated by the Safety Regulation Authority.

Article (6)

If the Safety Regulation Authority receives applications for a Safety Certificate or

Operational Safety Certificate from two or more applicants, and finds that
coordination is necessary for such applications to ensure safety of the Operation
activities of all applicants, the Safety Regulation Authority may instruct those
applicants to cooperate and coordinate their efforts.

Article (7)

The Safety Regulation Authority may revoke or suspend the Safety Certificate or
Operational Safety Certificate under one or more of the following circumstances:

1. If there is actual or potential direct and serious threat to Safety;

2. If the Railway Infrastructure or Railway Vehicles are not in compliance with the
terms of the certificates referred to in this Article;
3. If the Owner or Operator violates the provisions of the Regulation, its
Implementing By-law, or the decisions or instructions issued by the Authority.

Article (8)

If the Owner or Operator requests to make material changes to any of the equipment
or activities, he must apply to the Safety Regulation Authority that assesses the
changes and issues the relevant certificate in case such changes are approved.

Article (9)

1. The Safety Regulation Authority shall maintain an accurate and up to date record
of all applications and Safety Certificates and Operational Safety Certificates
issued. The record shall include the following particulars:

a. Type of the certificate issued;

Administrative Decision No. (68) of 2010 Issuing the Implementing By-law of Regulation No. (5) of 2009 Concerning Railways
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 b. Scope, limitations and restrictions of the certificate issued;
c. Compatibility of the Infrastructure with Railway Vehicles;
d. The Person in whose name the certificate is registered;
e. Date of submission of the request for the certificate and the date on which it is
issued;
f. Particulars of the relevant trade licence in respect of the licensed activity;
g. Any amendments to the certificate, such as cancellations, suspensions,
transfers, alterations or any other changes;
h. Any other relevant particulars.

2. The Safety Regulation Authority shall notify the competent authorities of any
amendments to the Safety Certificate or Operational Safety Certificate.

Article (10)

A Safety Certificate or Operational Safety Certificate may be transferred from the

original Owner to another Person subject to approval of the transfer by the Safety
Regulation Authority.

Obligations of the Operator

Article (11)

To conduct any Operation activity, an Operator must:

1. Be registered and hold a trade licence to operate the Railway in the Emirate;
2. Hold a Safety Certificate;
3. Hold an Operational Safety Certificate.

Article (12)

1. Should the Operator cease to be able to operate for any reason, the Owner may
appoint a third party as temporary Operator.
2. The temporary Operator may operate pursuant to the existing Operational Safety
Certificate for a maximum period of six (6) months, after which period the
Operator must obtain a new certificate in accordance with the procedures adopted
in this regard by the Safety Regulation Authority.
3. The Safety Regulation Authority may impose new conditions and restrictions on
the Operation activities during the period in which the Operator operates under the
existing Operational Safety Certificate.

Article (13)

An Operator of a Branch Line must obtain the following:

1. The Agency’s approval, in case the Branch Line is to be connected to the main
Railway network of the Emirate;

Administrative Decision No. (68) of 2010 Issuing the Implementing By-law of Regulation No. (5) of 2009 Concerning Railways
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2. A Safety Certificate issued in accordance with the standards and requirements
stipulated in this regard;
3. An Operational Safety Certificate issued in accordance with the standards and
requirements in force.

Article (14)

The Operator must design a safety management system in accordance with the
following criteria:

1. The system must follow the design approved by the Safety Regulation Authority;
2. The system must meet to the risk management requirements, standards, techniques
and procedures approved by the Safety Regulation Authority;
3. The system must identify and assess any safety risks that may arise from the
Operation activities, or any activities related to the Operator;
4. The system must specify the measures adopted to manage any identified risks and
control safety and security in relation to the Operation activities under ordinary,
extraordinary and emergency conditions;
5. The system must state the procedures required to monitor, review and revise the
extent of its efficiency measures referred to in Paragraph (4) of this Article;
6. The Operator shall submit to the Safety Regulation Authority a report that
includes the following:

a. An overlap coordination plan, if any, referred to in Article (18) of this

Decision;
b. An emergency management plan referred to in Article (19) of this Decision;
c. A health and safety management programme;
d. Any other information as may be required by the Safety Regulation Authority.

Article (15)

Prior to designing the safety management system referred to in Article (14) of this
Decision, the Operator must cooperate and coordinate with:

1. The Persons who might be affected by the safety requirements or by revising or

changing such requirements;
2. The Persons engaged in the protection of health and occupational safety;
3. Other Railway Operators;
4. Members of the public when necessary.

Article (16)

The Operator must satisfy the following conditions:

1. To revise the safety management system designed by it at least once every year, at
such date as may be agreed with the Safety Regulation Authority;

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2. To notify the Safety Regulation Authority of any changes to the system referred to
in Paragraph (1) of this Article.

Article (17)

The Operator must provide the Safety Regulation Authority with regular annual
reports on the safety management system. The report must meet the following
conditions:

1. To be submitted on the form approved by the Safety Regulation Authority;

2. To meet the requirements stipulated by the Regulation and its Implementing By-
law.
3. To include the following information:

a. Description and assessment of the safety management system related to the

Operation activities;
b. Comments on the shortcomings or violations during the Operation activities in
relation to the safety of the Railway;
c. Suggestions to improve the Operation activities;
d. Any other information related to the safety requirements stipulated by the
Regulation and its Implementing By-law.

Article (18)

In case of overlap of two or more Operation activities in such a way that safety risks
are increased, each Operator shall coordinate with all other Operators to develop an
overlap coordination plan to be implemented as necessary in order to minimise risks.

Article (19)

Each Operator must have an emergency management plan that indicates the measures
to be implemented in emergency situations, and must ensure that all emergency
response procedures are suitable and clear to all Persons and are practically
applicable.

Article (20)

The emergency management plan referred to in Article (19) of this Decision shall be
prepared and developed in coordination with the entities engaged in providing
emergency services, and shall be reviewed, maintained and made available to such
entities.
Article (21)

The Operator shall ensure that all employees working on the Railway and
Infrastructure are adequately qualified and trained to perform their duties.

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 Article (22)

An Operator who wishes to assign the Operational Safety Certificate must notify the
Safety Regulation Authority in writing six (6) months prior to the date on which it
intends to assign such certificate.

Article (23)

The Operator must provide identity cards to all Persons involved in activities related
to the safety of the Railway Infrastructure and Railway Vehicles.

Article (24)

Persons involved in activities related to safety of the Railway Infrastructure and

Railway Vehicles must satisfy the following conditions:

1. Carry the identity card referred to in Article (23) of this Decision and present it to
the Inspector upon request;
2. Comply with the provisions and rules stipulated by the Regulation and its
Implementing By-law;
3. Comply with the safety rules imposed by the Owner;
4. To take all necessary precautions to ensure their Personal safety;
5. Take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of Persons who might be
affected by their actions;
6. Cooperate with the Operator to fulfill the safety requirements.

Article (25)

The Operator shall ensure that any Person working on the Infrastructure or Railway
Vehicles follows a safety management system which is compatible with the safety
management system adopted by the Operator.

Article (26)

The Safety Regulation Authority shall undertake the following:

1. To prepare and implement a programme to inspect and review the Operators’

activities;
2. To conduct spot checks on Operation activities;
3. To instruct Operators to renew their Operational Safety Certificates if they modify
the safety management system.

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 Powers of Inspectors
Article (27)

The duties and powers conferred upon the Agency Inspectors shall be deemed
independent from the powers and duties of the Safety Regulation Authority
Inspectors.

Article (28)

The Safety Regulation Authority Inspector shall have the following duties and
powers:

1. To conduct examinations and inspections of the Railway, Infrastructure and

Railway Vehicles;
2. To access any part of the Railway, Infrastructure and Railway Vehicles;
3. To issue orders to stop or move any Railway Vehicle;
4. To conduct any necessary tests, analyses, measurements or surveys using any
equipment the Safety Regulation Authority deems appropriate, on any part of the
Railway, Infrastructure and Railway Vehicles;
5. To make any audio, video or photographic reproduction of any part of the
Railway, Infrastructure and Railway Vehicles;
6. To seek the assistance of any Person for the purpose of carrying out his duties and
powers as set forth in this Decision;
7. To keep copy of any document submitted to him;
8. To interview and question any Person who might be of assistance to him in
performing his duties;
9. To request the translation of any document into a language acceptable to him;
10. To request any entity or Person to submit any documents he deems necessary
whether in printed or electronic format;
11. To preserve accident sites in order to protect evidence;
12. To issue permission for Persons to access accident sites. Nevertheless, any Person
may access the accident site without the Safety Regulation Authority Inspector’s
permission in the following cases:

a. To guarantee the safety of Persons;

b. To move injured or deceased Persons from the accident site;
c. To move animals from the accident site;
d. To protect the environment from pollution or any potential large-scale
damage.

13. To serve Improvement Notices or Prohibition Notices;

14. To gather and access information through electronic and other means;
15. To seize any materials, samples and evidence that pose risk to the Infrastructure
and Railway Vehicles;
16. To take any other action to protect the Railway, Infrastructure and Railway
Vehicles.

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 Article (29)

The Agency Inspector shall have the following duties and powers:

1. To conduct inspections to ensure compliance with the Infrastructure Protection

Code of Practice, the Infrastructure Protection Code of Practice Guidelines and the
Railway Technical Standards;
2. To monitor compliance with the conditions and requirements of No Objection
Certificates issued by the Agency;
3. To monitor compliance with all policies, permits, specifications, standards and
restrictions, as well as any measures or procedures imposed by the Agency in
relation to any Infrastructure Protection Zone;
4. To serve Improvement Notices or Prohibition Notices;
5. To conduct any tests, analyses, measurements or surveys he deems necessary,
using any equipment the Agency deems appropriate, on any part of the
Infrastructure Protection Zone or Railway Vehicles;
6. To make any audio, video or photographic reproduction of any part of the
Infrastructure Protection Zone or Railway Vehicles;
7. To seize any materials, samples or evidence that pose risk to the Infrastructure and
Railway Vehicles;
8. To seek the assistance of any Person for the purpose of carrying out his duties and
powers as set forth in this Decision;
9. To request any party or Person to produce any documents he deems necessary,
whether in printed or electronic format;
10. To keep copy of any document submitted to him;
11. To interview and question any Person who might be of assistance to him in
performing his duties;
12. To request the translation of any document into a language acceptable to him;
13. To gather and access information through electronic and other means;
14. To issue instructions to any Person to assist him in performing his duties and
powers;
15. To take any other measures required to exercise the duties and powers conferred
upon him pursuant to the Regulation and its Implementing By-law.

Article (30)

1. Upon the seizure of any evidence, the Inspector must provide the owner of the
evidence with a receipt.
2. The Inspector must allow the owner of the seized evidence to examine it and take
a copy thereof if it is a document, until such time as the seized material or
document is returned.
3. After seizure of any evidence, including documents, the Inspector shall return
such evidence to the owner as soon as practicable, except in the following
situations:

a. If the evidence is linked to a crime;

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 b. If the Inspector is entitled, by law or by a court order, to retain such evidence.

4. If the evidence is returned to the owner, the holder or possessor of such evidence
must comply with any conditions and instructions issued by the Inspector in this
regard.

Article (31)

The Inspector may serve an Improvement Notice or a Prohibition Notice to any

Person in any of the following cases:

1. Breach of any provision of the Regulation or its Implementing By-law;

2. Any activity on the Railway or in Operation activities that could lead to risks that
endanger safety;
3. Any activity on the Infrastructure, its surrounding areas or Railway Vehicles that
could lead to risks that endanger safety;
4. Difficulty in seizing or removing prohibited materials.

Article (32)

The Inspector, who serves an Improvement Notice or Prohibition Notice, shall take
the following measures:

1. Identify the areas where the activity is prohibited, the materials that may not be
used, and the procedures and activities that are prohibited;
2. Serve a copy of the notice to the defaulting parties;
3. Affix a copy of the notice of the prohibited materials if the defaulting Person
cannot be identified.

Article (33)

The Inspector, within the scope of the powers conferred upon him, may enter the
following places to perform his duties:

1. Railway buildings and facilities;

2. Restricted areas in the Infrastructure Protection Zone, if the need arises to enter
and investigate the circumstances of an incident related to the Railway and
reported at any time when the Railway is in Operation;
3. Private premises, subject to the condition of obtaining the permission of the
Public Prosecution and the presence of police personnel.

Article (34)

The Inspector shall not disclose any information obtained during the exercise of his
duties, unless pursuant to:

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1. Instructions of the Chairman of the Board of Directors;

2. Instructions of the Chief Executive Officer of Strategy and Corporate Governance,

in matters related to the Safety Regulation Authority;
3. The Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, in matters related to Infrastructure
protection;
4. A Court order.

Obligations of the Person Served with an Improvement Notice

Article (35)

The Person served with an Improvement Notice shall, within the period stipulated in
the notice (which may not be less than twenty eight (28) days from the date such
notice is served):

1. Remedy the breach indicated in the Improvement Notice;

2. Operate the Railway in a manner that does not endanger safety.

Article (36)

Any Person, served with a Prohibition Notice, may not use, move, sell, remove or
destroy any information or other materials without written approval from the
Inspector or the Safety Regulation Authority, as the case may be.

Railway Accident Investigations

Article (37)

The Owner, Operator and Contractor shall inform and submit a report to the Safety
Regulation Authority about accidents occurring during construction, operation or
maintenance, including:

1. Derailing, decoupling, collision, fire or breakdown of Railway Vehicles;

2. Damage sustained by a Railway Vehicle due to any dangerous incident, even if
there are no casualties;
3. Any accident causing the suspension of passenger services for a period of one
hour or more;
4. Any accident resulting from dangerous goods coming loose or catching fire in a
Railway Vehicle, and requiring staff and the general public to be evacuated from
the accident site;
5. Any accident involving Railway Vehicles carrying dangerous goods or materials;
6. Any accident resulting in the death or injury of a passenger;
7. Any accident resulting in the death or serious injury of a Railway employee while
on duty;
8. Accidents resulting from murders, suicides or injuries occurring on the Railway;
9. Accidents involving the fall or collapse of cranes, scaffolding, bridges, tunnels or
Railway structures;

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10. Any materials falling on the Railway tracks thus obstructing the track in front of
Railway Vehicles.

Article (38)

1. If an accident occurs, the Owner, Operator and Contractor must appoint a

qualified Person to take responsibility for the accident site.
2. The Person responsible for the accident site must:

a. Take the necessary measures to implement the plan prepared by the Owner,
Operator and Contractor, as the case may be;
b. Guarantee the safety of the accident site;
c. Protect the evidence until responsibility for the investigation is passed to the
Inspector or the Inspector allows him to leave the site.

Obligations of the Safety Regulation Authority

Article (39)

1. The Safety Regulation Authority must issue an identity card for each Inspector on
which the powers conferred upon the Inspector pursuant to the Regulation and its
Implementing By-law are stated.
2. The Inspector must carry the identity card referred to in Paragraph (1) of this
Article and present it upon the request of any Person.
3. The Inspector must return the identity card referred to in Paragraph (1) of this
Article to the Authority at the end of his service.

Investigation Report
Article (40)

1. The Safety Regulation Authority must conduct a technical investigation of

accidents linked directly to Operation activities on the Railway or its
Infrastructure that result in Personal injuries or damage to property.
2. In the course of its technical investigation, the Safety Regulation Authority may
resort to safety investigators or any other Persons to collect evidence and other
matters that assist in the investigation.
3. The Safety Regulation Authority must work as quickly as possible, with the least
possible amount of bureaucracy and technical dealings, and may use any evidence
or information to look into any issue that it deems relevant to the investigation.
4. The Person running the investigation must draft a final report including his
recommendations and any other relevant measures that he believes will act to
reduce risks and improve safety performance. A copy of that report must be
submitted to the Safety Regulation Authority.

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5. Upon receiving the report, the Safety Regulation Authority must add its
recommendations and submit it to the Chief Executive Officer of Strategy and
Corporate Governance.
6. The Chief Executive Officer of Strategy and Corporate Governance may:

a. Submit a copy of the report, or part thereof, to any party he deems appropriate;
b. Publish a copy of the report, or part thereof by any means as he deems
appropriate.

Article (41)

1. The Safety Regulation Authority may instruct the Operator to investigate any
reported incident, or any other incident that may endanger the safety of transport
service activities carried out by the Operator on the Railway, in accordance with
the applicable procedures.
2. The investigator shall identify the causes and factors that led to such incident.
3. The results of the investigation shall be submitted to the Safety Regulation
Authority within the time limit specified.

Article (42)

In preparing its recommendations following the investigation, the Safety Regulation

Authority must take the following into consideration:

1. Identification of the risks to which the Infrastructure, Railway Vehicles or

Operation activities are exposed;
2. Provision of the necessary recommendations to improve the level of safety in the
transportation and communication sector in the Emirate, in order to prevent
recurrence of incidents in the future;
3. To identify the factors that led to the incidents and state whether these factors
were due to system error or human error.

Article (43)

The Agency shall, at all times, take an initiative-based and risk-free approach in
performing its duties with a view to develop and maintain a safe and efficient Railway
system in the Emirate.

Article (44)

1. Persons who perform any of the activities listed below shall present to the Agency
a valid trade licence issued by the Competent Authority:

a. Designing, manufacturing, modifying, supplying, installing, constructing or

removing Infrastructure, Railway facilities or equipment, or Railway Vehicles;

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 b. Operating the Railway.

2. In order to obtain a trade licence from the Competent Authority for any of the
activities listed in Paragraph (1) of this Article, the Person must first obtain a No
Objection Certificate from the Agency.

Article (45)

For the purposes of Paragraph (2) of Article (44) the Agency shall coordinate with the
Safety Regulation Authority before issuing any No Objection Certificate, and shall
maintain a record of trade licence applications and particulars of the applications
received from the Competent Authority.

Article (46)

1. The Agency shall submit the necessary proposals for planning and development of
the Railway and submit these to the Chairman of the Board of Directors.
2. When submitting the proposals referred to in Paragraph (1) of this Article, the
Agency must:

a. Assess and monitor compliance with the standards and requirements of

Railway Operation in the Emirate;
b. Seek and receive proposals from Operators, Developers or any other Person in
relation to the planning and development of the Railway network in the
Emirate.

3. The Agency may give the proposals referred to in Paragraph (2b) of this Article
due consideration as it may deem appropriate, making all such further enquiries
that are reasonably required to assess such proposals. In the event that a proposal
is approved, the Agency must issue the necessary Permit for carrying out the
works for which the proposal is submitted.
4. In order to achieve integration between the Railway network and other means of
transport, the Agency shall cooperate and coordinate with the relevant authorities
within or outside the Emirate according to the Roads and Transport Authority
guidelines.

Prequalification No Objection Certificates

Article (47)

1. A Prequalification No Objection Certificate is granted to perform any of the

following activities:

a. Railway Operator activities;

b. Railway Contractor activities;
c. Railway Consultant activities;

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 d. Maintenance, repair, manufacture, modification, supply, installation, or any
other activity related to Railway Operations, Infrastructure or Railway
Vehicles.

2. No Person may obtain a trade licence from the Competent Authority to carry out
any of the activities listed under Paragraph (1) of this Article unless he has been
issued a Prequalification No Objection Certificate.
3. Prequalification No Objection Certificates shall be issued in accordance with the
Railway Technical Standards.
4. Prequalification No Objection Certificates may include requirements and
conditions which must be satisfied, and may specify the scope of licensed
activities.
5. The Agency shall maintain a record of all Prequalification No Objection
Certificate applications, including the details and final decisions regarding such
applications.
6. Any Person who carries out any of the activities listed in Paragraph (1) of this
Article without obtaining a valid Prequalification No Objection Certificate, or
who fails to satisfy any of the requirements or conditions set forth in such
certificate, shall be deemed in breach of the provisions of this Decision.
7. If a Person holding a Prequalification No Objection Certificate fails to satisfy the
requirements or conditions set forth in such certificate, or fails to satisfy any
technical requirements or specific performance standards prescribed in the
standards and specifications guidelines approved by the Agency, the latter may, at
its discretion, amend such certificate, review its terms or revoke it. The Agency
shall notify such Person of its decision and provide him with a copy of the
amended certificate.
8. The Agency must prepare bi-annual reports that contain assessments of the
performance of Persons holding Prequalification No Objection Certificates who
have carried out works on the Railways in the Emirate, and each such Person must
be assessed and graded according to the extent to which they have complied with
the requirements set forth in this Article.
9. The Agency shall provide the Safety Regulation Authority with a copy of the
report referred to in Paragraph (8) of this Article.

Technical Requirements and Performance Standards

Article (48)

1. The Agency shall update the specifications, technical requirements and

performance standards for the Railway, Railway Vehicles and Infrastructure on a
regular basis.
2. The Agency shall provide any Person who applies for a No Objection Certificate
with a copy of the approved Railway standards.

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 Infrastructure Protection Code of Practice
Article (49)

1. The Agency shall issue and regularly update the Infrastructure Protection Code of
Practice, which includes:

a. Mandatory standards, procedures, conditions and other requirements related to

the protection of the Infrastructure;
b. Infrastructure Protection Zones;
c. Application submission procedures and requirements that must be followed in
order to obtain Restricted Activities No Objection Certificate in any
Infrastructure Protection Zone;
d. Technical requirements for compliance with the Code referred to in Paragraph
(1) of this Article when carrying out Restricted Activities in any Infrastructure
Protection Zone;
e. Any other measures and procedures that the Agency deems appropriate for
protection of the Infrastructure.

2. The Agency shall provide applicants for Restricted Activities No Objection

Certificate with a copy of the current Infrastructure Protection Code of Practice.

Restricted Activities Requiring No Objection Certificates

Article (50)

A No Objection Certificate is required in order to perform any of the following

activities:

1. Storage of goods;
2. Moving or operating cranes and other mechanical lifting equipment;
3. Drilling and digging wells;
4. Dredging of sea-beds, canals, wells and waterways;
5. Construction of tunnels and artesian wells;
6. Excavation of trenches and removal of the topsoil;
7. Demolition;
8. Use of explosives and fireworks and igniting fires;
9. Erection of scaffolding and other temporary structures;
10. Installation or replacement of power transmission lines;
11. Activities performed in the Infrastructure Protection Zone that should be
monitored by the Agency.

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 Restricted Activities No Objection Certificates
Article (51)

1. All Persons must request a No Objection Certificate from the Agency prior to
commencing any Restricted Activity.
2. All Persons must request a Restricted Activities No Objection Certificate prior to
commencing any development, design or construction works or other
infrastructure works (other than those related to the Railway Infrastructure).
3. A No Objection Certificate, granted under this Article, must include the
conditions and requirements laid down in the Infrastructure Protection Code of
Practice.
4. The Agency shall coordinate and consult with the Operator prior to issuing the No
Objection Certificate in accordance with the provisions of this Article.
5. Any request for a No Objection Certificate under this article shall be made in
accordance with the Infrastructure Protection Code of Practice.

Suspension of Restricted Activities

Article (52)

1. Agency Inspectors are authorised to prevent any Person from carrying out any
Restricted Activity in an Infrastructure Protection Zone without obtaining a prior
No Objection Certificate or in case of breach of any requirements or conditions
stipulated in such certificate.
2. Upon issuing the suspension order referred to in Paragraph (1) of this Article, the
Inspector must present his identity card to prove his capacity as Inspector.
3. A suspension order issued by an Inspector may be verbal or written. In the event
of a verbal order, a written order from the Agency must ensue.

Article (53)

The Safety Regulation Authority shall coordinate with Government departments and
public entities and authorities, including the police personnel, to fulfill the objectives
of the Regulation and its Implementing By-law.

Article (54)

Operators, Contractors and Owners who have commenced work before this Decision
is issued, must adjust their situation in accordance with its provisions within six (6)
months from the date on which it comes into force.

Article (55)

The Chief Executive Officer of the Agency shall issue the instructions necessary for
the implementation of the provisions of this Decision.

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 Article (56)

This Decision shall come into force on the day on which it is issued and shall be
published in the Official Gazette.

Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer

Chairman of the Board of Directors and
Chief Executive Officer

Issued in Dubai on 31 January 2010

Corresponding to 16 Safar 1431 AH

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 Railway Protection Code of Practice

Contents

Preface iv

Definitions v

1 Introduction 1
1.1 General 1
1.2 Scope 1
1.3 Railway Protection Guidelines 2
1.4 Associated documents 2

2 Railway Protection Zone 3

2.1 General 3
2.2 Railway Protection Zones 5

3 Restricted Activity 13
3.1 General 13
3.2 Description of Restricted Activity 13

4 No Objection Certificate Requirements 15

4.1 General 15
4.2 Types of NOC Applications 16
4.3 Application and Approval Process 16
4.4 NOC Application Details 17
4.5 Description of Supporting Documents 19
4.6 Associated Risk and Control Measures for each Restricted Activity 21
4.6.1 Restricted Activity - RA1: Storage of Goods 21
4.6.2 Restricted Activity - RA2: Movement or Operation of Cranes, Hoists and other 24
Lifting Equipment
4.6.3 Restricted Activity - RA3: Installation of Boreholes and Wells 29
4.6.4 Restricted Activity - RA4: Dredging of Sea-Beds and Canal-Beds 31
4.6.5 Restricted Activity - RA5: Construction of Underground Passageways 33
4.6.6 Restricted Activity - RA6: Excavation of Trenches and Earth Movement 34
4.6.7 Restricted Activity - RA7: Demolition 36
4.6.8 Restricted Activity - RA8: Use of Explosives and Fireworks and the Lighting of Fires 37
4.6.9 Restricted Activity - RA9: Erection of Scaffolding and other Temporary Structures 38
4.6.10 Restricted Activity - RA10: Installation or Replacement of Conduits for any 40
Utilities
4.6.11 Restricted Activity - RA11: Other Activities to be Controlled 41

5 Design Considerations 42
5.1 General 42
5.2 Design Development and Building Proposals in Railway Protection Zone 42

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 Railway Protection Code of Practice

5.3 Design of Overbridge Vehicular Parapets 43

6 Site Inspection before NOC 44

6.1 General 44
6.2 Agency Review 44
6.3 Deviation from Approved Plan 45
6.4 Violations and Fines 45

7 Works in Railway protection Zone 46

7.1 General 46
7.2 Construction Works and restricted Activity 46
7.3 Site Preparation 46
7.4 Excavation Works 49
7.5 Development / Building Works Adjoining Railway Infrastructures 49
7.6 Demolition 50

8 Monitoring Requirements 51
8.1 General 51
8.2 Monitoring of the Railway Infrastructure 53
8.3 Monitoring of Construction Activity 54
8.4 Control Measures of Enabling Works 56
8.5 Reporting 57
8.6 Site Inspections by the Agency 57
8.7 Incident / Accident Management 58

9 Risk Assessment 59
9.1 General 59
9.2 Measuring Hazards 59
9.3 Process 61

10 Enquiries 62

Appendices 63
Appendix A- Risk register Form 63

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 Railway Protection Code of Practice

Preface

The Railway Protection Code of Practice identifies the Railway Protection Zone and Restricted Activity
within the Zone for all Railways in the Emirate of Dubai. It defines procedures to be followed prior to
carrying out Restricted Activity and other construction-related activities planned by any Government, ,
Public or Private entities in the vicinity of Railway Infrastructure.

This document is part of the Roads and Transport Authority’s (RTA) initiative to ensure safe and reliable
rail operation in Dubai. With the opening of Railway lines in Dubai, Railways will become the major mass
transportation mode in Dubai, forming an integral part of the public transport system and attracting a
significant number of passengers.

In order to ensure that the safe operation of the Railway system is maintained, it is necessary to regulate
By Law in order to protect the Railways Infrastructure, safe operation, staff and the travelling public.

The Railway Protection Code of Practice will assist in achieving the RTA’s vision of safe and smooth
transport for all.

Mr. Adnan Al Hammadi

Chief Executive Officer
Rail Agency, Roads and Transport Authority
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

© Roads and Transport Authority 2012

All rights reserved. No section or element of this Railway Protection Code of Practice may be removed from this
document or be reproduced in any form without the written permission of Roads and Transport Authority.

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 Railway Protection Code of Practice

Definitions

Accident The unexpected and undesirable occurrence directly associated with railway
operations, its railway infrastructure, which result or may result in human
casualties or damage to property
Agency Rail Agency of Roads & Transport Authority
Applicant Any party applying for No Objection Certificate
Authority Roads and Transport Authority
Technical documents issued, or adopted, by the Agency that can be applied as
Authority Railway
requirements for any railway, planned, designed, developed or operated in the
Standards
Emirate.
Battering Sloping the exposed face of a excavation wall back either at a uniform angle, or
stepping it back uniformly.
Benching Method of preventing of excavation walls by excavating the sides of an
excavation to form one or a series of horizontal levels or steps, usually with
vertical or near-vertical surfaces between levels.
Bunding Embankment or wall which may form part or all of the perimeter of a
compound within which sits a storage tank. The bund is designed to contain any
spill resulting from a breach of the tank.
By-laws Administrative Decision No. 68/2010 regarding Issuing, Implementation and
Regulation of Order No. 5/2009 Governing Railway Regulation in the Emirate of
Dubai
Contractor An organization designated by the Owner or the Operator for the purpose of
carrying out the works related to railways, or execution of any work that
requires obtaining of permits or No Objection Certificates from the Agency
Control Measures Provisions to reduce identified risks
Critical Zone A zone within the Railway Protection Zone, which requires more stringent
Control Measures than the remainder of the Railway Protection Zone
Design NOC A document issued by the Agency to authorize the preliminary or final design of
proposed works
Earth-moving Any machinery designed for the purpose of moving earth including (but not
machinery limited to) excavators, JCB’s, front-end loaders, scrapers, bob-cats, skid-steer
loaders and graders.
Emirate Emirate of Dubai

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 Railway Protection Code of Practice

Formwork Either temporary or permanent moulds into which concrete or similar materials
are poured.
Incident An occurrence which affects or could affect the safety of people or the Railway
Infrastructure
Information NOC A document issued by the Agency providing information about the railway
network and infrastructure
Inspector Staff authorized by the Authority to verify the safety of railway infrastructure
and railway vehicles operation, carry out investigations and recommend actions
to address situations that may affect the safety of the railways.
NOC A document issued by the Agency, authorizing an organization to perform
activities within the Rail Right of Way.
Operations The operation, movement or cause of movement of Railway vehicles designed
for transportation or for carrying out maintenance, modification works and
development of infrastructure or Railway vehicles
Operator The authorized party for the operation or maintenance of the Railway
Infrastructure or Railway vehicles, or both for the purposes of public
transportation
Owner Any public or private company or authority that owns the infrastructure of the
Railway or Railway vehicles, or both, for the purposes of public transportation
Permit A formal written approval granted by the Agency in respect of a proposal for
works relating to Railways in the Emirate
Person A natural Person or a public or private legal Person
Railway All establishments, facilities, systems and software necessary to operate
Infrastructure Railways and to enable them to work safely, including but not limited to,
Railway tracks and associated track structures, service roads, signalling systems,
communications systems, rail controlling systems , notices and signs, the
electric power supply, electric traction systems, the associated buildings,
stations, warehouses, machinery, equipment, structures, corridors, pass ways,
tunnels, bridges, sidewalks, barriers (iron gates), associated works, the work of
sanitation, and any construction or rail-related work
Railway Regulation Regulation No. 5 of 2009 on the Regulation of Railways in the Emirate of Dubai
Railway Railway transportation systems designed to transport passengers and goods,
guided by specific tracks, designed for the movement of the rails either a single
or dual track system or any other direction system, including heavy and light
rail, monorail services, tramways or Railways for maintenance or freight

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 Railway Protection Code of Practice

terminals

Railway Protection The document issued by the Agency which specifies the standards, procedures
Code of Practice and requirements for the protection of the Infrastructure in the Railway
Protection Zone
Railway Protection The Railway Infrastructure sites and the surrounding areas designated as such
Zone by the Agency in the Railway Protection Code of Practice
Railway Vehicle Any vehicle that uses the infrastructure of the Railway, including locomotives,
engines, trains, trams, light inspection vehicles, self-propelled maintenance
vehicles, freight wagons or monorail vehicles
Restricted Activity Any activity considered by the Agency to (or to have potential to) jeopardise or
otherwise adversely affect any Railway, Railway Infrastructure and / or Railway
Vehicles and / or to pose a threat of risk or interference in any way with any
Railway, Railway Infrastructure and / or Railway Vehicles as further described in
the By-laws and / or in the Railway Protection Code of Practice
Risk Assessment A report prepared by an Applicant seeking Railway Protection NOCs identifying
Report potential risks and mitigation measures involved in carrying out any Restricted
Activity, development and building proposals within the Railway Protection
Zone
Safety Free from unacceptable risks of loss or damage
Safety Regulation Planning and Safety Regulation Department which the RTA established under
Authority the Rail Regulation to ensure the safety of all Railways, Railway Infrastructure
and Railway Vehicles in the Emirate (as further set out in the Rail Regulation)
Shoring Means a structure such as a metal hydraulic, mechanical or timber shoring
system that supports the sides of an excavation and which is designed to
prevent soil movement and cave-ins.
Structure Gauge The boundary enclosing the clearances required outside the swept envelope to
enable the Railway to be operated in safety. The structure gauge includes
provision for staff safety, where staff are permitted on the Railway while
Railway Vehicles are running
Zone of Influence The Zone of Influence of a Railway structure below ground is the area over
which applied external loads are likely to affect the Railway structure

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 Railway Protection Code of Practice

1. Introduction

1.1 General
1.1.1 This Railway Protection Code of Practice is issued by the Agency to set out procedures,
conditions and other requirements to comply with Administrative Decision No. 68/2010 with
regard to the issuing, implementation and regulation of Order No. 5/2009 Governing Railway
Regulation in the Emirate of Dubai.
1.1.2 The Agency at all times takes a risk-based approach to carrying out its duties and co-operates
with the Safety Regulation Authority in the spirit of developing and maintaining a safe and
efficient Railway system in the Emirate.
1.1.3 This Railway Protection Code of Practice provides mandatory requirements for any external party
who intends to carry out Restricted Activity and other construction-related activities in the
vicinity of Railway lines or facilities.
1.1.4 The Railway Protection Code of Practice identifies the Railway Protection Zone for all Railways in
the Emirate of Dubai, which shall be controlled and must not be misused at any time, in order to
ensure uninterrupted safe Railway operations and protection of Railway Infrastructure and
people.

1.2 Scope
1.2.1 This Railway Protection Code of Practice is applicable to all Railways (under planning, under
construction or in the operation and maintenance phases) in the Emirate of Dubai
1.2.2 This Code defines:
(a) The mandatory procedures, conditions and other requirements that must be complied with
in relation to the protection of Railways, Railway Infrastructure
(b) Vehicles Railway Protection Zone; and
(c) Restricted Activity
1.2.3 This Code outlines the submission procedures and requirements that must be followed in order
to obtain No Objection Certificates (NOC’s) for conducting Restricted Activity or Activities and/or
for development, building and construction proposals in any Railway Protection Zone

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 Railway Protection Code of Practice

1.3 Railway Protection Guidelines

1.3.1 The Railway Protection Code of Practice outlines the potential risks that may be posed by third
parties undertaking any Restricted Activity, development, design and/or construction within the
Railway Protection Zone and the recommended Control Measures to ensure the safe and
uninterrupted operation of Railway systems. The Railway Protection Code of Practice should be
used by any party (hereafter called ‘the Applicant’) intending to carry out any Restricted Activity,
development, design and/or construction of buildings or other infrastructure within the Railway
Protection Zone.
1.3.2 Restricted Activity, as defined in Administrative Decision No.68/2010 (By-laws) means any
activity considered by the Agency to (or to have potential to) jeopardise or otherwise adversely
affect any Railway, Railway Infrastructure and/or Railway Vehicles and/or to pose a threat of risk
or interference in any way in each case with any Railway, Railway Infrastructure and/or Railway
Vehicles.
1.3.3 The Guidelines of Railway Protection Code of Practice will assist Applicants to control common
risks associated with various Activities when carried out within the Railway Protection Zone, as
well as in the preparation of a risk assessment report, which is required to be submitted as part
of No Objection Certificate (NOC) applications.
1.3.4 Applicants are strongly recommended to read and follow the Guidelines of Railway Protection
Code of Practice, whenever any work defined as a Restricted Activity or construction works are
planned within the Railway Protection Zone. Applicants may provide in their NOC applications
alternative control measures, provided that the risks posed by the works are mitigated to an
extent equivalent to, or better than, when the recommended control measures are applied
1.3.5 The Guidelines of Railway Protection Code of Practice is published for guidance and does not
dissolve any Applicant from complying with other local or governmental laws issued for the
Emirates of Dubai or United Arab Emirates.

1.4 Associated Documents

1.4.1 The associated documents include:
(a) Regulation No. 5 for the year 2009 on the Regulation of Railways in the Emirate of Dubai;
(b) Administrative Decision No. 68/2010 (the By-laws); and
(c) Authority Railway Standards

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 Railway Protection Code of Practice

2. Railway Protection Zone

2.1 General
2.1.1 In principle, the Railway Protection Zone shall be kept clear of any disturbances or activities in
order to ensure the safe operation of the Railway and protection of the Railway Infrastructure.
All associated risks and mitigation measures for any potential disturbances to the Railway arising
from Restricted Activity within the Railway Protection Zone shall be identified before carrying out
such activities. The Railway Protection Zone is defined in the following sections for each type of
Railway alignment.
2.1.2 Railway Protection Zones are defined and grouped into seven different types of Railway
structures, as described in table below.
2.1.3 The classification of each zone is based on the shape and function of each Railway Infrastructure
and facility.
2.1.4 Railway Protection Zones are defined in table 2.1 below:

Table 2.1: Railway Protection Zones Definition

Zone No. Applicable Zones Alignment Type
Applies to Railway viaduct sections (Railway guide-way located on
elevated structures) above ground level. The Railway Protection
Zone-1A
Zone is defined as 30m as measured from the outermost edge of
any structural element of the viaduct. Viaduct or Bridge
Applies to Railway viaduct sections (Railway guide-way located on Section
elevated structures) above water level. The Railway Protection
Zone-1B
Zone is defined as 30m as measured from the outermost edge of
any structural element of the viaduct.
Applies to Railway tunnel sections (Railway guide-way located
inside tunnel) below ground level. The Railway Protection Zone is
Zone-2A defined as the greater of, the boundary as formed by the Zone of
Influence, or 45m as measured from the outermost edge of Tunnel Section
external tunnel construction.
Applies to Railway tunnel sections (Railway guide-way located
Zone-2B
inside tunnel) directly under a canal or sea bed. The Railway

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 Railway Protection Code of Practice

Zone No. Applicable Zones Alignment Type

Protection Zone is defined as the greater of, the boundary as
formed by the Zone of Influence, or 45m as measured from the
outermost edge of external tunnel construction.
Applies to Railway tunnel sections (Railway guide-way located
inside cut & cover) below ground level. The Railway Protection
Zone-3A Zone is defined as the greater of, the boundary as formed by the Cut & Cover Section
Zone of Influence, or 45m as measured from the outermost edge
of external cut & cover construction.
Applies to at-grade Railway sections. The Railway Protection Zone
Zone-4A is defined as the surrounding area of 30m as measured from the
outermost edge of any structural element of the guide-way.
Applies to Railway sections with engineered embankments. The At-grade,
Zone-4B Railway Protection Zone is defined as 30m as measured from the embankment and
outermost edge of the embankment section. cut sections
Applies to Railway sections with engineered cut sections. The
Zone-4C Railway Protection Zone is defined as 30m as measured from the
outermost edge of the cut section.
Applies to Overground stations. The Railway Protection Zone is
Overground
Zone-5A defined as 30m as measured from the outermost edge of the
Stations
station finishing.
Applies to Underground stations. The Railway Protection Zone is
Underground
Zone-5B defined as 50m as measured from the outermost edge of the
Stations
station structure.
Applies to street running tramways. The Railway Protection Zone
Zone-6A Tramway
is defined as 30m as measured from the Structure Gauge.
Applies to elevated monorail guide-ways. The Railway Protection
Zone-7A Monorail
Zone is defined as 30m as measured from the Structure Gauge.
Applies to other Railway Infrastructure. The Railway Protection
Supporting Facilities
Zone-8A Zone is defined as 30m as measured from the outermost edge of
(e.g. entrance/exits
the finishing.
footbridges,
Applies to Railway depots. The Railway Protection Zone is defined
ancillary buildings,
Zone-8B as 30m as measured from the security or perimeter fence around
depot, etc.)
the depot.

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 Railway Protection Code of Practice

2.2 Railway Protection Zones

2.2.1 The Railway Protection Zone generally contains a Critical Zone, which normally requires more
stringent control measures than the remainder of the Railway Protection Zone
2.2.2 The Railway Protection Zone is described in Table 2-2 below:

Table 2.2: Railway Protection Zones Description

Zone No. Alignment Railway Protection Zone

Sections

Railway
Viaduct
Protection
(Type A)
Zone-1

Zone-1A applies to Railway viaduct sections (Railway guide-way

located on elevated structures) above ground level. The Railway
Protection Zone is defined as 30m measured from the outermost
edge of any structural element of the viaduct.

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 Railway Protection Code of Practice

Zone No. Alignment Railway Protection Zone

Sections

Railway
Viaduct
Protection
(Type B)
Zone-1

Zone-1B applies to Railway viaduct sections (Railway guide-way

located on elevated structures) above water level. The Railway
Protection Zone is defined as 30m measured from the outermost
edge of any structural element of the viaduct.

Railway
Tunnel
Protection
(Type A)
Zone-2

Zone-2A applies to Railway tunnel sections (Railway guide-way

located inside tunnel) below ground level. The Railway Protection
Zone is defined as the greater of the boundary formed by the Zone of
Influence or 45m measured from the outermost edge of external
tunnel construction.

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 Railway Protection Code of Practice

Zone No. Alignment Railway Protection Zone

Sections

Railway
Tunnel
Protection
(Type B)
Zone-2

Zone-2B applies to Railway tunnel sections (Railway guideway located

inside tunnel) directly under a canal or sea bed. The Railway
Protection Zone is defined as the greater of the boundary formed by
the Zone of Influence or 45m measured from the outermost edge of
external tunnel construction.

Railway
Cut & Cover
Protection Zone-2C applies to Railway cut & cover sections (Railway guideway
Section (Type A)
Zone-3 located inside cut & cover section) below ground level. The Railway
Protection Zone is defined as the greater of the boundary formed by
the Zone of Influence or 45m measured from the outermost edge of
external cut & cover construction. For control measures and
protection requirements with respect to activity adjacent to cut &
cover retaining wall, refer to Railway Protection Zone-5: A
Underground Station/Structure Type B

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 Railway Protection Code of Practice

Zone No. Alignment Railway Protection Zone

Sections

Railway
At-Grade
Protection
(Type A)
Zone-4

Zone-3A applies to at-grade Railway sections. The Railway Protection

Zone is defined as the surrounding area of 30m measured from the
outermost edge of any structural element of the guide-way.

Railway
At-Grade
Protection
(Type B)
Zone-4

Zone-3B applies to Railway sections with engineered embankments.

The Railway Protection Zone is defined as 30m measured from the
outermost edge of the embankment section.

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 Railway Protection Code of Practice

Zone No. Alignment Railway Protection Zone

Sections

Railway
At-Grade
Protection
(Type C)
Zone-4

Zone-3C applies to Railway sections with engineered cut sections. The

Railway Protection Zone is defined as 30m measured from the
outermost edge of the cut section.

Railway Overground
Protection Stations
Zone-5 (Type A)

Zone-4A applies to Overground stations. The Railway Protection Zone

is defined as 30m measured from the outermost edge of the station
finishing.

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 Railway Protection Code of Practice

Zone No. Alignment Railway Protection Zone

Sections

45 m

Railway Underground
Protection Station/Structure
Zone-5 (Type B)

Zone-4B Applies to Underground stations/structures. The Railway

Protection Zone is defined as 45m as measured from the outermost
edge of the station/structure section.

Street
Railway
running
Protection
Tramway
Zone-6
(Type A)

Zone-5A applies to street running tramways. The Railway Protection

Zone is defined as 30m measured from the Structure Gauge, which is
the boundary enclosing the clearances required outside the Structure
Gauge to enable the Railway to be operated in safety.

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 Railway Protection Code of Practice

Zone No. Alignment Railway Protection Zone

Sections

Railway
Monorail
Protection
(Type A)
Zone-7

Zone-6A applies to elevated monorail guide-ways. The Railway

Protection Zone is defined as 30m measured from the Structure
Gauge, which is the boundary enclosing the clearances required
outside the Structure Gauge to enable the Railway to be operated in
safety.

Other
Railway
Railway
Protection
Infrastructure
Zone-8
(Type A)

Zone-7A applies to other Railway Infrastructure. The Railway

Protection Zone is defined as 30m measured from the outermost
edge of the finishing.

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 Railway Protection Code of Practice

Zone No. Alignment Railway Protection Zone

Sections

Railway
Depot
Protection
(Type B)
Zone-8

Zone-7B applies to Railway depots. The Railway Protection Zone is

defined as 30m measured from the security or perimeter fence
around the depot.

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 Railway Protection Code of Practice

3. Restricted Activity

3.1 General
3.1.1 Activity means any activity considered by the Agency to (or to have potential to) jeopardise or
otherwise adversely affect any Railway, Railway Infrastructure and / or Railway Vehicles and / or
to pose a threat of risk or interference in any way in each case with any Railway, Railway
Infrastructure and/or Railway Vehicles
3.1.2 The By-Laws define the Restricted Activity as any activity likely to take place within the Railway
Protection Zone. For ease of reference, an Activity number is given to each Restricted Activity as
listed in the table 3.1 below.
Table 3.1: List of Restricted Activities
Activity No. Restricted Activity
RA1 Storage of goods
RA2 Movement or operation of cranes, hoists and other lifting equipment
RA3 Installation of boreholes and wells
RA4 Dredging of sea-beds and canal-beds
RA5 Construction of underground passageways
RA6 Excavation of trenches and earth movement
RA7 Demolition
RA8 Use of explosives and fireworks and the lighting of fires
RA9 Erection of scaffolding and other temporary structures
RA10 Installation or replacement of conduits for any utilities

RA11 Other activities to be controlled

3.2 Description of Restricted Activity

3.2.1 RA1 - Storage of goods
The storing or placing, or causing or allowing the storage or placement of, any goods, material or
item or any solid, liquid or gaseous matter or substance.
3.2.2 RA2 - Movement or operation of cranes, hoists and other lifting equipment
The movement or operation of any crane, whether fixed machinery or mobile, hoist, ladder,
drilling or piling equipment, excavator or any other mechanical equipment or vehicle

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 Railway Protection Code of Practice

3.2.3 RA3 - Installation of boreholes and wells

The installation of boreholes, wells, piles, ground anchors and horizontal tie-backs
3.2.4 RA4 - Dredging of sea-beds and canal-beds
The dredging of sea beds or river beds carried out by any means and the anchoring of vessels.
3.2.5 RA5 - Construction of underground passageways
The construction of an underground passageway designed for use as a street or railway;
to serve as a passageway, conduit for utilities, or to provide access for people, vehicles or
equipment to an underground work site.
3.2.6 RA6 - Excavation of trenches and earth movement
The digging or excavation of trenches or pits, the carrying out of earthworks and backfilling, or
the shifting or pushing of earth or soil from one area to another, whether or not such activities
are carried out manually or by mechanical means.
3.2.7 RA7 – Demolition
The tearing-down of buildings and other structures manually or using hydraulic equipment,
a wrecking ball, or a blasting method.
3.2.8 RA8 - Use of explosives and fireworks and the lighting of fires
The use of explosive material, fireworks and lighting of fires for any purpose, including blasting,
demolition, removal of rocks, or construction.
3.2.9 RA9 - Erection of scaffolding and other temporary structures
The erection of sheds, shelters, tents, scaffolding, temporary maintenance towers, ladders,
hoardings and other similar temporary structures for any purpose, including trade fairs, fun fairs,
exhibitions, entertainment and commercial markets.
3.2.10 RA10 - Installation or replacement of conduits for any utilities
The installation or replacement of conduits for any telecommunication, electrical and
mechanical utilities, including power transmission lines and associated structures.
3.2.11 RA11 – Other activities to be controlled
Further Restricted Activity performed within the Railway Protection Zone that the Agency
requires to be controlled and may be added in future revisions of the Railway Protection Code of
Practice

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 Railway Protection Code of Practice

4. No Objection Certificates Requirements

4.1 General

4.1.1 Any party (hereafter called ‘the applicant’) intending to carry out Restricted Activity or Activities
within any Railway Protection Zone shall apply to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from
the Agency prior to commencing any such Restricted Activities. Additionally, any party intending
to develop and/or design and/or construct buildings or other infrastructure for any purpose
within any part of the Railway Protection Zone shall apply to obtain an NOC from the Agency
prior to commencing such works (for the avoidance of doubt, other infrastructure‘here does not
include Railway Infrastructure which requires a separate permit and is not within the scope of
this document).

4.1.2 An NOC obtainment is mandatory in case developing and/or designing and/or constructing
buildings or other infrastructure for any purpose lies outside the Railway Protection Zone but
that may have effects on the Railway and/or its Infrastructure and/or its Operation.

4.1.3 An NOC may include requirements and/or conditions, which may differ depending on the status
of the affected Railway, whether it is planned, under construction or operational

4.1.4 The Agency shall coordinate and liaise with the Operator of the relevant Railway likely to be
affected by the Restricted Activity, prior to issuing any NOC under the By-Laws. Where Restricted
Activity is proposed within the defined Railway Protection Zone of an operational Railway, the
Applicant shall be required to comply with the Operator’s specific requirements and any relevant
Permit to Work systems.

4.1.5 As part of NOC requirements, Applicants are required to submit a Risk Assessment Report. This
report shall demonstrate that an appropriate assessment of risks has been undertaken. Further
guidance is given in Section 11 and Appendix A of this Code.

4.1.6 The Railway Protection Code of Practice includes many common risks, but do not necessarily
identify all risks. One of the purposes of a risk assessment is to identify the risks and define the
control measures to mitigate these risks specific to a proposed Restricted Activity development
and/or design and/or construction of buildings or other infrastructure within the Railway
Protection Zone. Such risk assessment is also required in case the Restricted Activity/Activities lie
outside the Railway Protection Zone but that may have effects on the Railway and/or its
Infrastructure and/or its Operation.

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 Railway Protection Code of Practice

4.1.7 It is the applicants’ responsibility to obtain any other NOC’s which may be required from
authorities and utility companies other than the Agency

4.1.8 Each NOC application shall include different types of supporting documents, showing the details
of the particular Restricted Activity/Activities in the development and/or design and/or
construction works.

4.1.9 All design drawings, specifications and reports for NOC applications shall be prepared and
endorsed by a Dubai Municipality registered engineering office.

4.1.10 All survey works for NOC applications shall be performed and endorsed by a Dubai Municipality
registered survey office

4.2 Types of NOC Application

There are four types of NOC application as listed below:
• Information NOC
• Preliminary Design NOC
• Final Design NOC
• Construction NOC
• Clearance NOC

4.3 Application and Approval Process

4.3.1 The following steps are involved in the NOC application and approval process:
• Applicants may register to use the RTA e-NOC system;
• Following registration, Applicants submit an application via the RTA website e-NOC portal or
Customer Service Centre;
• The Agency’s Rail Right of Way Office will receive the NOC application and assess its
potential impact upon any Railways (including all Railways that are planned, under
construction or operational);
• The Rail Right of Way Office may request further information or meetings as part of the
evaluation process;
• The Rail Right of Way Office will either issue the NOC or issue an objection; and
• Applicants may revise and resubmit NOC application via the RTA Customer Service Centre or e-
NOC portal if an objection is given to the original application.

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 Railway Protection Code of Practice

4.4 NOC Application Details

4.4.1 All Applicants applying for NOC’s to carry out Restricted Activity/Activities, design and/or
construction works for development and buildings within any Railway Protection Zone shall
submit the required supporting documents as listed herein.

4.4.2 The required documents that shall be included in NOC applications are listed in the following
sections:
4.4.2.1 Supporting Documents for Preliminary Design NOC Application

• Preliminary Design drawings showing interfaces with the Railway Infrastructure;

• Site photographs clearly showing the Zone between the proposed work and Railway Infrastructure;
• Survey plans;

• Design reports (geotechnical, structural reports).

4.4.2.2 Supporting Documents for Detail Design NOC Applications

• Risk Assessment Report;

• Detail design drawings showing interfaces with the Railway Infrastructure;
• Site photographs clearly showing the Zone between the planned work and Railway Infrastructure;
• Survey plans;
• Design reports (geotechnical, structural reports)

4.4.2.3 Supporting Documents for Construction Works NOC Applications

• Risk Assessment Report;

• Detail design drawings showing interfaces with the Railway Infrastructure;
• Site photographs clearly showing the Zone between the planned work and the Railway Infrastructure;
• Survey Plans;
• Drawings for temporary facilities (earthwork, retaining wall system, etc.);
• Design reports (geotechnical, structural reports);
• Monitoring plan;
• Method statement;
• Traffic control plan;
• Drainage control plan;
• Emergency plan;
• Insurance policy.

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 Railway Protection Code of Practice

Table 4.1: Summary of Required Documents for Design and Construction Works NOC Application
Documents Prelim. Design Detail Design Construction
Risk Assessment Report × ×
Preliminary Design Drawings ×
Detail Design Drawings × ×
Design Reports × × ×
Soil Investigation Report × × ×
Site Photographs × × ×
Survey Plans ×

Monitoring Plans ×
Method Statement ×
Traffic Control Plan ×
Drainage Control Plan ×
Emergency Plan ×
Insurance Policy ×

Table 4.2: Summary of Required Documents for Restricted Activity NOC Application
Document Restricted Activity
RA1 RA2 RA3 RA4 RA5 RA6 RA7 RA8 RA9 RA10
Risk Assessment Report × × × × × × × × × ×**
Preliminary Design Drawings ×
Detail Design Drawings × × × ×* ×
Design Reports × × × × ×*
Soil Investigation Report × × × × ×*
Site Photographs × × × × × × × × × ×
Survey Plans × × × × × ×* ×
Monitoring Plans × × × × ×**
Method Statement × × × × × × × × ×* ×
Traffic Control Plan × × × × × × ×
Drainage Control Plan × ×
Emergency Plan × × × × × × × × × ×
Insurance Policy × × × × ×

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 Railway Protection Code of Practice

* Erection of simple scaffolding not higher than 2m or tent area not larger than 25 square meters do not
need to include these documents
** Erection of simple scaffolding not higher than 2m or tent area not larger than 25 square meters do not
need to include these documents
Note: The required documents for RA11 “Other Activities to be Controlled” are intentionally excluded
from the table, as these activities will be dealt with on a case by case basis

4.5 Description of Supporting Documents

4.5.1 Risk Assessment Report: Prepared and endorsed by the responsible engineers and planners, this
needs to clearly show how the proposed works may impact the Railway Operations and Railway
Infrastructure during its pre-construction, construction and post-construction stages. A risk
analysis approach shall be used to assess the degree of impact on the Railway Infrastructure in
cases where proposed methodology and equipments fail. All potential risks arising from the
proposed works that may impact the Railway Infrastructure whether it is under construction,
operation or planning, shall require appropriate mitigation measures for each identified risk. The
Report shall also explain the purpose and usage of the developments, buildings, infrastructure,
construction or Restricted Activity. The risk assessment should demonstrate that they have
carried out an appropriate assessment of the risks to the planned or operational Railway and
associated infrastructure and systems, as a result of the intended works or activities, and that
these risks have been mitigated to ensure ALARP is achieved. ALARP means that risks have been
controlled to a tolerable level, and are ‘As Low As Reasonably Practicable’.

4.5.2 Preliminary / Detail Design Drawings: Prepared and endorsed by the responsible engineers and
planners showing the applicants’ project plan. The plans shall be drawn to a legible scale. The
Agency may request plans or drawings in a specific scale depending on the nature of the works
proposed. The plans shall clearly show the location indicating the Railway Protection Zone,
Critical Zone of the existing or planned Railways and how the planned works interfere with those
zones. Sufficient section plans shall also be provided showing elevations and clearance distances
between the planned works and the Railway Protection boundary lines.

4.5.3 Site Photographs: Showing concerned project areas in relation to the Railway Protection Zone.
The photographs should be annotated with simple arrows, callouts or explanatory notes.

4.5.4 Design Reports: Prepared and endorsed by the responsible engineers shall justify that the
geotechnical, structural, E&M (if applicable) designs have been performed in accordance with
local and other applicable international standards. The report shall include a section showing
engineering justification on safety and integrity of the existing or planned railway lines.

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 Railway Protection Code of Practice

4.5.5 Survey Plans: Prepared and endorsed by a responsible surveyor shall be submitted. The survey
plans, as minimum shall show boundary lines of planned works, existing structures, coordinates,
chainages, and boundary lines of Railway Protection Zone and Critical Zone.

4.5.6 Monitoring Plan: shall explain in detail how the ground movements, ground water, railway
structures and tracks will be monitored during construction. The monitoring plan shall have a full
list of monitoring devices and instruments to be used with their location, purpose, frequency and
method of monitoring. The Agency has the right to impose any additional requirements deemed
necessary to protect the Railway Infrastructure at the applicant’s cost. Applicants shall comply
with the general monitoring requirements outlined in Section 5.3.

4.5.7 Method Statement: shall explain how the construction work will be executed showing full details
of construction program, sequence, methods and man-power. The statement shall also include a
full list of equipment and machinery to be used during construction.

4.5.8 Traffic Control Plan: shall explain temporary traffic diversions during the construction ensuring
the safety of Railway users. The applicants shall provide schematic drawings showing the road
diversion plans, list of signage and schedule.

4.5.9 Drainage Control Plan: is required to protect the Railway Infrastructure from excessive
stormwater runoff caused by the construction works. The applicants shall carry out studies on
how much stormwater runoff is expected to be generated based on current rainfall data and
explain how the stormwater runoff will be controlled.

4.5.10 Emergency Plan: shall be prepared focusing on any potential incidents which may relate to the
Railway Infrastructure. The emergency plan should be based on the incidents identified in the
risk based Risk Assessment Report and how the incidents will be managed shall be clearly
outlined in the document.

4.5.11 Insurance Policy: including third party property damage insurance and other insurance policies
required by the government.

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4.6 Associated Risks and Control Measures for each Restricted

Activity

4.6.1 Restricted Activity - RA1: Storage of Goods

The storing or placing, or causing or allowing the storage or placement of, any goods, material or item or
any solid, liquid or gaseous matter or substance

Risks

• The load of material, heavy machinery or equipment placed directly above the underground Railway
infrastructure may be higher than the design load for the Railway structure.
• Storage or placing of combustible materials, including flammable liquid and gas, could pose a risk of
fire and explosion.
• Vehicles carrying dangerous goods (as defined in the UAE regulations), e.g. tankers carrying
flammable materials, parked adjacent to the Railway Infrastructure may catch fire or explode.
• Improper use of electrical equipment could pose a risk of electrical fire.
• Blocking of station entrances or emergency egress points could cause injuries to people and could
prevent people from exiting the Railway in case of emergency.
• Blocking vents could affect the ventilation of underground facilities.

Control Measures

• The total load of equipment and materials imposed on underground Railway structures and ground
bearingcapacityshouldbecheckedagainstthedesigner’srequirementstoconfirmthesafetyofundergroun
d Railway structures.
• Combustible materials should not be stored or placed in the Critical Zone.
• All vehicles carrying dangerous goods, e.g. tankers carrying flammable materials, where possible
avoid entry to the critical zone and remain outside.
• All powered equipment should be electrically safe and working within the safe load capacity. All
equipment should be checked on a regular basis.
• Equipment should be positioned so that station entrances, emergency egress points, and ventilation
inlets and outlets are always kept clear.
• Underground storage tanks and pipe work for any flammable and combustible liquids or gases should
be non-pressurised and located outside the Critical Zone. The surface around the dispensing area
should be graded such that any spills will be directed away from the Railway Infrastructure.

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• UndergroundstoragetanksforanyflammableandcombustibleliquidsorgaseswithintheRailwayProtection
Zone should be of double wall construction and provided with a leakage detection and monitoring
system.
• Any pipe work carrying flammable and combustible liquids or gases within the Railway Protection
Zone should be provided with leakage detection and monitoring systems.
• Above ground storage tanks and related infrastructure (i.e. pipe work, valves etc) for flammable and
combustible liquids or gasses should be provided with fire rated walls if the tank or related
infrastructure is close to the Railway Infrastructure.
• Anti-corrosion materials should be used for storage tanks and pipe work.
• Above ground surface storage tanks for flammable and combustible liquids, or gasses, should be of
double-wall construction with their contents clearly identified. Depending on the location and size of
the tank, leakage detection and monitoring should be considered.
• If single skin above ground storage tanks for flammable and combustible liquids or gasses are used,
bunding sufficient to hold the full contents of the tank and fire water must be installed.
• Any tanks and related infrastructure (i.e. pipework, valves, etc) should be secured in such way that
unauthorized access cannot be achieved.
• Fire fighting facilities should be considered for flammable and combustible liquids, gasses and solids.
• Combustible materials (i.e. cardboard, timber, rags, etc) should not be stored around or near tanks
with flammable and combustible liquids or gasses.
• Underground storage tanks and associated infrastructure should have their location, and depth and
contents clearly indicated by signage.

• Any generators and associated plant should be placed outside the critical zone with exhaust vents
facing away from the Railway Infrastructure.

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Figure 4.1: RA1.1 - Loads imposed by placing or using heavy machinery or goods above Railway
structures should be checked against the allowable limits

Figure 4.2: RA1.2 - All flammable, combustible or explosive goods such as tankers, fuel containers, and
gas cylinders should be kept outside the Critical Zone

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4.6.2 Restricted Activity - RA2: Movement or Operation of Cranes, Hoists and other
Lifting Equipment

Movement or operation of any crane, whether fixed or mobile, hoists, ladder, drilling or piling equipment,
excavator or any other mechanical equipment or vehicle

Risks

• Equipment could topple and hit the Railway infrastructure and/or Railway Vehicles.
• Equipment booms could slew and hit the Railway infrastructure and/or Railway Vehicles.
• Materials being lifted could impact the Railway infrastructure and/or swing into the path of Railway
Vehicles.

Control Measures

• Equipment should be positioned such that any boom or extension, whilst stationary, in movement or
operation, will not encroach on the area directly adjacent to the Railway Infrastructure; alternatively
slew restricts or should be provided. (refer to figure RA2-1) Physical barriers should be provided at
the boundary limit to control the movement of equipment.
• Operation of equipment directly below Railway viaducts is only allowed subject to space constraints
under close site supervision during operation. (refer to figure RA2-2)
• Selection of equipment should consider all safety aspects of equipment operation.
• Materials and equipment should not be lifted in or over the area directly adjacent to the Railway
structure.
• Location and fixingdetailsofallheavyequipmentshouldbeincludedintheApplicant’sNOCapplication.
• Outriggers of equipment should be fully extended and supported on solid plates over firm ground
under supervision of a competent engineer.
• All equipment should be operated by competent and qualified personnel.
• Daily safety checklists and records should be maintained at site.
• Machines operating near station ventilation shafts and entrances should be positioned so that the
fumes and exhaust gases are directed away from the air circulation shafts for underground Railway
facilities and station entrances.
• Dust and debris created by activities near stations should be controlled and minimised.
• If it is unavoidable that activities involving lifting of loads directly above or adjacent to the elevated or
at-grade Railway occur then a temporary protection structure should be provided. The protection
structure should be designed to withstand the impact of the heaviest loads expected.

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• Cranes, lifts, hoist and other lifting appliances must be tested and certified by a competent person at
least once every 12 months.
• Lifting accessories such as slings, belts and chains should be tested and certified by a competent
person every 6 months AND inspected for damage before each use. Damaged lifting accessories
must not be used.
• Only technically qualified and experienced persons in the company approved by the Dubai Central
Laboratory Dubai Municipality shall examine, test and certify cranes and other lifting equipment.
• Personnel involved in the lifting operation (supervisor, coordinator, operator, slinger, signaler,
erector, maintenance personnel) must have the minimum following attributes:
a) Competent to perform the tasks required of them;
b) Adequately trained and/or successfully assessed;
c) Able to present a record of training and assessment;
d) Physically able to carry out the work.
• Appropriate communication system to be implemented for communications between the lifting
operator and the signaler.
• All equipment including (but not limited to) cranes, lifts, hoist and other lifting appliances must have
maintenance records to prove that regular and satisfactory proactive and preventive maintenance is
carried out.
• All mechanical equipment and machinery must be maintained regularly, at least every 3 months,
and/or in accordance with the operations and maintenance manual. All proactive and preventive
maintenance carried out must be recorded.
• For object handling or lifting activities preference should first be given to use machinery that has
been designed specifically for this task, for example using a mobile crane for object handling rather
than an excavator.
• Any earth-moving equipment used for object handling must have a known safe working load for any
lifting points or attachments and this safe working load must not be exceeded.
• Any earth-moving machine used for object handling must have a rated object handling capacity table
available inside the cab.
• Any earth-moving equipment used for object handling must have a competent person who has been
trained in object handling or lifting activities, including the ability to read and understand the rated
object handling capacity table
• Exclusion zones must be established to prevent the unwanted interaction of lifting equipment, loads
being carried and people.
• Risk assessments must be done to determine the safe working distance of lifting equipment from the
edge of an excavation and controls implemented to prevent the collapse of the excavation wall.

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Figure 4.3: RA2.1 - Equipment should not operate within, or be able to collapse into, the area directly
adjacent to the Railway structure

Figure 4.4: RA2.2 - Operation of equipment directly below Railway viaducts should keep minimum
clearance from the structure

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Control Measures for Tower Cranes

• All details of tower crane operations and equipment should be included in NOC applications, as
described in Railway Protection Code of Practice.
• Tower cranes should preferably be positioned behind the building under construction away from the
Railway Infrastructure and adequately tied back to the building structure. (Refer to figure RA2-3)
• Free standing tower cranes should be erected at a sufficient distance from the Railway so that the jib
cannot topple into the Critical Zone of the Railway Infrastructure. (Refer to figure RA2-4)
• Tower cranes should be tested before operation and a copy of the relevant inspection certificates
should be made available before the commencement of operations

Figure 4.5: RA2.3 - Tower crane and its parts erected behind building and tied back, should topple
outside the Critical Zone

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Figure 4.6: RA2.4 - Free standing tower crane or its parts should not topple inside the Critical Zone

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4.6.3 Restricted Activity - RA3: Installation of Boreholes and Wells

The installation of boreholes, wells, piles, ground anchors and horizontal tie-backs

Risks

• Drilling, boring or ground anchoring could damage the Railway Infrastructure, including tunnels,
station structures, piles and foundations.
• Vibration could damage the Railway Infrastructure.
• Drilling, boring or driving piles or the installation of wells could pose a risk due to lowering of
groundwater levels.

Control Measures

• Bore holes and piles should be outside the Critical Zone and the effect on Railway Infrastructure
should be confirmed by a competent geotechnical engineer.
• The location of the Railway Infrastructure should be clearly identified on site, before any works
commence on any boreholes in the Railway Protection Zone. The positions of the proposed works
within the Railway Protection Zone should be set out by a qualified surveyor.
• The Applicant’s NOC Design Report should include a thorough study of ground water conditions and
detail any control and/or protection measures to be taken.
• Ground water conditions and vibration should be monitored until the completion of the work.
• Consider using cast-in-situ piles instead of driven piles, where possible.
• Cement-bentonite mixture or equivalent materials should be used for grouting of soil investigation
bore holes.
• Dust generated from the activities should be controlled and kept to a minimum level near stations
and areas, where there is frequent movement of people.
• The designer should consider cast in-situ piles instead of driven piles, if the vibration limits are
unlikely to be complied with.
• Location of underground structures, utilities and groundwater level should be checked before
installation of ground anchors.

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Figure 4.7: RA3 - Boreholes and piles should be outside the Critical Zone and should be checked for
potential impacts on Railway structures

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 Railway Protection Code of Practice

4.6.4 Restricted Activity - RA4: Dredging of Sea-Beds and Canal-Beds

The dredging of sea beds or canal beds and the anchoring of vessels

Risks

• Tunnel structures could be damaged from dredging causing water ingress and structural failure.

• Tunnel waterproofing systems could be damaged from dredging activities above the Railway tunnels.

• Dredging near piles under the water could damage the structural system of the piles causing
settlement.

• Anchoring of vessels may damage the Railway Infrastructure.

Control Measures

• Dredging should not be carried out within the Railway Protection Zone.

• Vessels should not anchor inside the Railway Protection Zone of bridge sections and the Critical Zone
of tunnel sections.

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Figure 4.8: RA4.1 - Anchoring of vessels should be outside the Critical Zone and dredging should be
outside the Railway Protection Zone for tunnels

Figure 4.9: RA4.2 - Anchoring of vessels and dredging should be outside the Railway Protection Zone for
bridges

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4.6.5 Restricted Activity - RA5: Construction of Underground Passageways

The construction of an underground passageway to serve as a conduit for utilities; to provide access for
people, vehicles or equipment to an underground work site

Risks

• Tunnelling and excavation works may cause changes to the original ground conditions, such as
excessive ground loss or change in groundwater conditions; movement and vibration may affect the
Railway Infrastructure.

Control Measures

• Best engineering practice, standards and procedures should be implemented in the design and
construction of passageways to ensure stability of the surrounding Railway Infrastructure.
• Fully detailed work methodology and Risk Assessment Report as part of NOC application, should
clearly indicate potential risks involved in the construction methods chosen and the control measures
to mitigate them.
• Monitoring plans need to be fully developed as part of the NOC application package.
• Properly engineered ground support systems should be provided to prevent excessive ground loss
and failure. Details of proposed support systems should be included in the method statements.
• A thorough study of groundwater conditions is required. The possibility of lowering of ground water
levels should be fully studied and mitigation measures should be provided in the NOC application.
• Method statements should include a contingency plan so that any potential risk or signs of impending
failure of the support system could be rectified immediately.
• Manual excavation may be necessary for excavations close to the Railway Infrastructure and utilities.
• A qualified surveyor should check the location of underground Railway Infrastructure and utilities
before commencing any underground works

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4.6.6 Restricted Activity - RA6: Excavation of Trenches and Earth Movement

The excavation of trenches or pits, earthworks and backfilling, or the shifting or pushing of earth or soil
from one area to another, whether or not such activities are carried out manually or by mechanical means

Risks

• The operation of excavation equipment within the Critical Zone may damage the Railway
Infrastructure.
• Excessive vibration generated by machinery used for excavation or earth moving within the Critical
Zone may cause damage to the Railway Infrastructure.
• Changing groundwater conditions.
• Excavation adjacent to the Railway Infrastructure may change existing stormwater conditions.
• Excavation collapsing causing the destabilizing plant or Railway Infrastructure.

Control Measures

• Best engineering practice, standards and procedures should be implemented in design and
construction. The planned works should be designed to minimise disruption to Railway
Infrastructure.
• A thorough study of groundwater conditions is required. The possibility of lowering of groundwater
levels should be fully studied and details of the proposed mitigation measures should be provided in
the NOC application.
• Monitoring plans need to be fully developed as part of the NOC application package.
• The Peak Particle Velocity (ppv) should be limited to 15 mm/sec for continuous vibration and 30
mm/sec for intermittent vibration.
• Trenches should be backfilled and compacted immediately after completion of underground works
such as laying of utilities or pipes.
• Use of equipment or machinery should be strictly controlled near the Railway utility lines.
• A qualified surveyor should check the location of underground Railway Infrastructure and utilities
before commencing any underground works.
• Excavations next to any openings leading to Railway underground structures or facilities, including
stations, should include the provision of watertight walls to prevent water ingress into underground
Railway Infrastructure. Sufficient stormwater drainage facilities should be provided for at-grade
Railways such that stormwater flows are directed away from the Railway Infrastructure.
• All excavations must be risk assessed to determine if shoring, benching or battering is required to

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 Railway Protection Code of Practice

ensure the stability of the excavation walls. Generally excavations deeper than 1.5 meters will
require some shoring, battering or benching.
• Excavations may not require shoring, benching or battering if a geo-technical engineer carries out the
following:
a) approves in writing all sides of the trench as safe from collapse; and
b) states in writing how long the approval lasts if there is no stated natural occurrence that
could affect adversely the stability of the trench; and
c) states in writing the natural occurrences that could affect adversely the stability of the
trench.
• Stockpile, over-burden or other materials must not be placed on the edge of the excavation (this
includes earth moving machinery).

Figure 4.10: RA6 - Excavation or earthmoving activities within the Critical Zone should not be carried
out before engineering analysis has been undertaken

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4.6.7 Restricted Activity - RA7: Demolition

The tearing-down of buildings and other structures manually or using hydraulic equipment, wrecking ball,
or blasting method

Risks

• Excessive vibration generated by demolition works using the blasting method could damage the
Railway Infrastructure.
• Demolition works could generate debris or objects that could be projected onto the Railway
Infrastructure causing damage.

Control Measures

• Best engineering practice, standards and procedures should be implemented in design and site
works.
• The Peak Particle Velocity (ppv) should be limited to 15 mm/sec for continuous vibration and 30
mm/sec for intermittent vibration.
• Blasting using explosives is not permitted within all Railway Protection Zones whether for elevated,
underground or at-grade Railways.
• When using hydraulic equipment or wrecking balls, proper shields or protection screens should be
provided to ensure no debris or objects are projected on to the Railway Infrastructure.

Figure 4.11: RA7 - Robust safety protection screens should be provided during demolition works within
the Railway Protection Zone

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 Railway Protection Code of Practice

4.6.8 Restricted Activity - RA8: Use of Explosives and Fireworks and the Lighting of
Fires

The use of explosive material, fireworks and lighting of fire for any purpose including blasting, demolition,
removal of rocks, or construction

Risks

• An explosion or a fire within the Railway Protection Zone could damage the Railway Infrastructure
and disrupt Railway Operations.
• Vibration generated from the use of explosives could damage the Railway Infrastructure and disrupt
Railway Operations.

Control Measures

• Use of explosives is not permitted within the Railway Protection Zone, except in very exceptional
circumstances.
• Use of fireworks or lighting of fires is not permitted within the Critical Zone.
• Depending on the purpose and scale of the fireworks, they may be permitted within the Railway
Protection Zone providing that sufficient precautionary measures are in place.

Figure 4.12: RA8 - Fires should not be lit in the Critical Zone / Explosives should not be used in the
Railway Protection Zone

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 Railway Protection Code of Practice

4.6.9 Restricted Activity - RA9: Erection of Scaffolding and other Temporary

Structures

The erection of sheds, shelters, tents, scaffolding, temporary maintenance towers, ladders, hoardings and
other structures for any purpose

Risks

• Scaffolding and other temporary structures could fall onto the Railway Infrastructure.
• Scaffolding and other temporary structures could provide unauthorised access to the Railway
Infrastructure Tents, shelters and temporary structures using combustible materials could pose a fire
risk to the Railway Infrastructure.
• The location and layout of tents, shelters and temporary structures could obstruct or interfere with
Railway safety provisions such as emergency egress points, ventilation shafts and fire fighting
facilities.

Control Measures

• Temporary structures should not be erected within the Critical Zone of elevated or at grade Railway
sections.
• Temporary structures should be designed and checked by a competent engineer for stability and
safety.
• Erection of scaffolding and tower structures should be undertaken by a competent person under full
supervision in accordance with the designer’s requirements.
• Temporary structures should be so positioned to ensure that third parties cannot gain access to the
Railway Infrastructure.
• Materials used for the temporary structures should be flame resistant.
• Adequate fire protection measures should be provided for temporary structures in compliance with
the relevant regulations.
• Temporary structures should be positioned such that fire fighting facilities, emergency egress points
and ventilation shafts are kept clear of all obstacles.
• Safety nets, safety mesh and/or containment screening should be securely installed on scaffolding,
towers or buildings under construction, facing the Railway, to prevent materials or objects from
falling onto the Railway Infrastructure.
• Scaffolding and other structures erected within the Protection Zone should be positioned so that in
the event of collapse it will not impact on the Railway Infrastructure. The height of the structure and

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distance to the Railway Infrastructure will need to be considered in determining a safe distance and /
or suitable control measures if sufficient distance cannot be obtained.
• When installing or removing formwork, the formwork should be secured to prevent formwork falling
from site. The safe working load of the proposed attachment method and the weight of the formwork
must be considered when selecting an appropriate method.
• All scaffolding, temporary structures and mobile scaffold towers must be inspected on a pre-
determined basis (based on Dubai Municipality requirements and the level of risk) to ensure that no
damage has occurred. A scaffold tag should be attached to the scaffolding, temporary structures and
mobile scaffold towers detailing when it was assembled and when the next inspection is due.

Figure 4.13: RA9.1 - Tents or sheds should have appropriate fire protection measures

Figure 4.14: RA9.2 - Installation of Protection Screen for Building Under Construction

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4.6.10 Restricted Activity - RA10: Installation or Replacement of Conduits for any

Utilities

The installation or replacement of conduits for any telecommunications, electrical and mechanical
utilities, including power transmission lines and associated structures

Risks

• Installation of new transmission or power lines in the Railway Protection Zone could affect the safety
of critical Railway systems and equipment.
• Installation or replacement of conduits and associated works within the Railway Protection Zone
could also pose the risks identified in Restricted Activity RA2, RA6 and RA9.

Control Measures

• Fully trained and qualified personnel should operate the equipment and machinery.
• The Risk Assessment Report included in the Applicant’s NOC package should include analysis of the
possible generation of electromagnetic fields by the power lines or associated facilities such as sub-
stations. Mitigation measures for this should be included in reports prepared by relevant specialists.
• Risks which are identical to those in Restricted Activity RA2, RA6 and RA9 should follow the
corresponding Control Measures for each Restricted Activity.

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4.6.11 Restricted Activity - RA11: Other Activities to be Controlled

Further Restricted Activity performed within the Railway Protection Zone that the Agency requires to be
controlled and may be added in future revisions of the Railway Protection Code of Practice

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5. Design Considerations

5.1 General
5.1.1 This section provides specific design considerations that should be adopted by the Applicants
who intend to carry out design works for developments, buildings or other infrastructure in the
Railway Protection Zone
5.1.2 The Applicant may propose other control measures which are at least as robust as the
recommended measures given in this section.

5.2 Design of Development and Building Proposals in the Railway

Protection Zone
5.2.1 Developments planned in the Railway Protection Zone should be designed to ensure that the
Railway Infrastructure’s allowable loadings and movement conditions are not exceeded
5.2.2 Design of buildings or similar structures within the Railway Protection Zone, which will require
regular maintenance or cleaning of facades facing the Railway should have appropriate safety
measures in place such that no objects can be dropped onto the Railway infrastructure
5.2.3 Design of buildings or similar structures within the Railway Protection Zone should avoid having
openings facing onto the Railway infrastructure. If it is unavoidable to have such openings,
permanent protective screens should be fixed around the openings
5.2.4 Design of buildings should comply with setback requirements in accordance with the relevant
building codes and regulations, as well as applicable fire safety codes in Dubai
5.2.5 The design of developments directly under or above elevated or at-grade Railways, should be
such that they do not have adverse impacts on Railway safety performance of items including,
but not limited to, the structure gauge, EMC, overhead catenary clearances and other
electrical, power and communication related facilities. The top of structures under a viaduct
should have a minimum ofone metre clearance to the decks off it and recommended Control
Measures for RA1 - Storage of Goods should be followed
5.2.6 Design of developments directly under or above elevated or at-grade Railways, should provide
sufficient fire fighting facilities in accordance with relevant fire safety codes and regulations in
Dubai

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5.3 Design of Over Bridge Vehicular Parapets

5.3.1 Design and construction of over bridge vehicular parapets should, as minimum, comply with the
Bridge Barrier Performance CriteriaTL-6, ‘Roadside Design Guide for Dubai’ issued by theTraffic
Department of the RTA

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6. Site Inspections before NOC

6.1 General
6.1.1 The Agency may require a site inspection as part of the NOC approval process, before making a
decision on an NOC application
6.1.2 This inspection is a site verification process to ensure that the NOC application is not different
from the actual site conditions. Depending on the conditions at site with respect to the Railway
Infrastructure, the Agency may request for specific provisions, as deemed necessary, to protect
the Railway Infrastructure and operations.
6.1.3 Costs associated with the specific provisions requested by the Agency shall be borne by the
applicant

6.2 Agency Review

6.2.1 If the application is rejected for any reason of non-compliance, it may be revised and
resubmitted in accordance with comments provided by the Agency.
6.2.2 Should the application be accepted, the Agency will review the application based on the general
requirements stipulated in this Code of Practice and other applicable design criteria and
operational requirements, if required
6.2.3 After full review of the application, the Agency will notify the applicant of the result. The
application may be approved with conditions imposing the Operators’ specific requirements,
allowing the applicant to proceed
6.2.4 The applicant should allow for the overall approval process to take not more than 30 calendar
days from the date of application. However exceptional cases may take more than 30 calendar
days
6.2.5 The applicant should note that in the event of any conflict between the program of works related
to the approved NOC and any works carried out by the Agency, the Agency’s program of works
shall have priority at all times, unless otherwise granted by the Agency
6.2.6 Any potential interface issues including work program shall be discussed with the Agency or the
Agency’s contractor in advance and the applicant’s work program should allow for such
interfaces so that the works carried out by the Agency are not delayed

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6.3 Deviation from Approved Plan

6.3.1 Should an applicant intend to change or deviate from the conditions of any NOC which has been
issued, then the applicant shall immediately notify the Agency in writing with details of the
changes in activities and the Agency will decide if a new NOC application is required.
6.3.2 Applicants are not permitted carry out any works, which deviate from the approved plan until
such works have been approved by the Agency

6.4 Violations and Fines

6.4.1 The Agency, through its Rail Right of Way Office has the authority to stop any work not
authorised under the NOC process. The Agency may impose fines in accordance with the
applicable Regulations and By-laws

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7. Works in Railway Protection Zone

7.1 General
7.1.1 This Section provides requirements relating to technical issues and precautionary measures, to
be taken by applicants during the implementation of approved works
7.1.2 The applicants shall be responsible for complying with all safety legislation published by other
Government authorities in the Emirate of Dubai
7.1.3 In case of any discrepancies in criteria or standards between this Code of Practice and other
Government requirements, the most conservative criteria shall be adopted

7.2 Construction Works and Restricted Activity

7.2.1 The term ‘Construction Works’ refers to physical construction of new buildings, modification or
extension of existing buildings, roads, railways, utility works, marine works, landscaping and all
other associated civil and structural related works.
7.2.2 The construction works may include more than one Restricted Activity as listed in Table 3-1
above. Recommended control measures are provided in the Railway Protection Code of Practice
Notes for the Restricted Activity, which should be followed as minimum. The applicants may
propose other precautionary measures which are at least as robust as the recommended
measures

7.3 Site Preparation

7.3.1 Contractors should carry out regular training of their workforce regarding Control Measures in
relation to protecting the Railway Infrastructure
7.3.2 Before carrying out construction works adequate protection should be provided for the Railway
Infrastructure, e.g. placing of protective hoardings
7.3.3 If a temporary traffic access is required under a Railway viaduct, where the clearance between
the deck soffit and the ground is less than 6 m, height control gantries at both sides with
minimum gap of 1m between the deck soffit and top of gantry should be erected

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Figure 7.1: Site Preparation – Temporary Traffic Access

7.3.4 Flags or distinctive markers, such as warning tapes, should be provided at the boundary points of
the Railway Critical Zone and Protection Zone, for any intended works

Figure 7.2: Site Preparation – Above Railway Tunnels

7.3.5 Buoys with flags or distinctive marks should be provided at the boundary points of the Railway
Critical Zone and Protection Zone, in coordination with RTA Marine Agency, for marine works

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Figure 7.3: Site Preparation – Marine Works Site above Railway Tunnels

7.3.6 Any construction works above the Railway such as building works or over bridges for any purpose
should provide a full protection shelter which covers all of the affected area over the Railway
Infrastructure. The shelter should be designed to withstand the impact of the heaviest object to
be used in the construction work and be large enough not to disturb the structure gauge.

Figure 7.4: Site Preparation – Protection Shelter over Railway

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7.4 Excavation Works

7.4.1 Excavation of hard strata using conventional blasting methods is not permitted in the Railway
Protection Zone
7.4.2 If any excessive movements or changes are detected during excavation, excavation should be
stopped and immediate rectification measures should be implemented
7.4.3 Ground Anchors used in excavation works should bechecked for location and required anchor
length. No part of the Railway Infrastructure should be disturbed by the anchors. (Refer to figure
8-5)
7.4.4 The Contractor should ensure that ground water levels are not affected by drilling for ground
anchor installations

Figure 7.5: Ground Anchor Restrictions

7.5 Development / Building Works Adjoining Railway Stations

7.5.1 Any construction works adjoining Railway stations should provide appropriate fire fighting
facilities, including fire shutters, smoke barriers, sprinkler systems, fire alarms and ventilation in
accordance with the relevant codes and regulations, such that the original fire safety design
intent of the Railway station is not affected by the construction
7.5.2 Other systems including the air-conditioning system, public address, CCTV, safety signs and
lighting, lightning protection, sanitary system and egress requirements should comply with the
relevant codes and regulations
7.5.3 Any developments intending to join with underground Railway stations should have the ground
level entrances and exits leading to underground stations sufficiently higher or provide water

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ingress protection walls with a robust waterproofing system to prevent rainwater ingress into the
underground station. The entrance level to the station should be above the flood threshold level
or at least 1m above ground level, whichever is higher.

7.6 Demolition
7.6.1 For demolition activities, the Contractors should select demolition equipment which minimises
vibration and noise levels. A list of equipment with specifications and detailed methods of
demolition should be included in the NOC application
7.6.2 Use of explosives is not permitted in the Railway Protection Zone and demolition rubble should
not be stored within the Railway Protection Zone or Zone of Influence
7.6.3 Vibration sensors should be installed on Railway structures for vibration monitoring

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8. Monitoring Requirements

8.1 General
8.1.1 A major factor in the control of construction activities involves confirmation of whether work
activities are causing movement to the existing Railway Infrastructure. Waiting until movement
can be observed by the responsible engineer is usually too late to prevent damage and there is a
need to observe small changes before they become significant
8.1.2 It is a common practice around the world to monitor possible movements of the ground and
Railway Structures during construction activities undertaken in the vicinity of the Railway
Infrastructure to eliminate potential adverse impacts on the Railway Infrastructure ensuring safe
and uninterrupted Railway operations. This section provides general guidance in carrying out
various monitoring activities required for the protection of the Railway Infrastructure during
implementation of the approved construction works and Restricted Activity
8.1.3 Typical monitoring instruments widely used are listed in the table below

Table 8.1: Typical monitoring instruments

Purpose Instruments

Ground water monitoring • Water standpipe

• Piezometer
Ground movement • Inclinometer (slope change)
• Extensometer (change in length)
• Settlement marker
• Theodolite
• Load cell
Structural and Track Movement • Tiltmeter
• Theodolite
• Crack meter
• Tape extensometer
• Electronic leveler
Vibration • Vibration sensor

8.1.4 Competent geotechnical and structural engineers shall review the potential impacts on the

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Railway Infrastructure in the vicinity of the proposed activities. Based on the nature and scale of
the proposed activities, the geotechnical and structural engineers shall develop a monitoring
plan indicating the proposed monitoring instruments, locations and frequencies together with
alert and action levels and method and frequency of reporting
8.1.5 Depending on the scale and nature of excavations, the Contractor may choose either mechanical
or electronic instruments. Mechanical instruments are useful for excavations of short duration,
which do not require frequent readings and have few reading points. Electronic instruments with
remote reading and automatic alarm features should be used for the excavations of relatively
long durations requiring more frequent readings with many reading points
8.1.6 The Agency shall have the right to instruct changes to the proposed monitoring plan or any
additional requirements deemed necessary to protect the Railway Infrastructure. Costs
associated with the specific provisions requested by the Agency shall be borne by the applicant
8.1.7 The instruments should be maintained in accordance with the manufacturers’ manuals and
should be kept away from moisture and other contaminants by providing appropriate protection
covers
8.1.8 The instruments to be installed at site should have valid calibration certificates and should be
tested before installation. After installation, the Contractor should make sure that all instruments
are properly protected with warning signs to prevent unauthorized access. Labels showing the
name of the instrument, company, responsible engineer and a contact phone number should be
fixed on each instrument
8.1.9 The location of each instrument and the size of any protection boxes should not interfere with
any part of the Railway operations and should be specified in the ‘Monitoring Plan’ submitted
with the NOC application
8.1.10 The battery condition should be checked on a regular basis for battery powered instruments. The
instruments should also be checked on daily basis and any malfunctioning instruments should be
replaced immediately
8.1.11 It is recommended that the readings are taken at the same time of the day throughout the
monitoring period to minimise any possible discrepancies in readings, which may be caused by
temperature differences throughout the day
8.1.12 All instruments should have temperature correction features or allow for calculation based
temperature corrections
8.1.13 All monitoring instruments to be used shall have valid calibration certificates from recognised
bodies. The calibration frequency of the instruments shall comply with the manufacturers’
recommendations
8.1.14 Appropriate monitoring instruments shall be used where applicable.

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8.1.15 If any monitoring results show signs of exceeding the allowable limits, the applicants must stop
their works and provide immediate rectification measures to prevent any damage to the Railway
Infrastructure
8.1.16 Computer generated outputs or manual records of monitoring data shall be analysed and
endorsed by the responsible engineer. The conclusions drawn from the data shall be included in
the periodic reports
8.1.17 All installed monitoring instruments shall not be removed until the Agency gives approval to do
so, even after substantial stabilisation of the ground or structures have been observed

8.2 Monitoring of the Railway Infrastructure

8.2.1 The Contractor carrying out works causing disturbances to the existing ground conditions, such
as changes of stress or groundwater level and generation of vibration within the Railway
Protection Zone should monitor any possible movements of the Railway Infrastructure
8.2.2 The use of remote monitoring systems such as electro-levels (electronic leveler) and automatic
motorised theodolites are strongly recommended, especially for the measuring of tunnel lining
displacements in order to avoid frequent access to the Railway Infrastructure and to acquire
continuous monitoring data. Conventional manual monitoring methods may be used to provide
measurements during limited times of the day and under non-operational conditions
8.2.3 Selection of instrument types, numbers and installation locations should be undertaken by the
Contractor considering the nature, size and complexity of the construction works next to the
Railway
8.2.4 Vibration generated by various construction activities can be measured using a vibration sensor,
which usually displays and analyses the linear velocity of the vibrations. The sensors can be raw
sensing elements, packaged transducers, or a sensor system or instrument, incorporating
features such as totalising, local or remote display and data recording. Where the proposed
construction
activitiesarelikelytogenerateintensivevibrationforsignificantperiodsoftime,theContractorshouldpr
ovide a full sensor system with totalising features including automatic data recording
8.2.5 The Peak Particle Velocity (ppv), generated by any construction works or activities within the
Railway Protection Zone should be limited to 15 mm/sec for continuous vibration and 30 mm/sec
for intermittent vibration
8.2.6 For the operational Railway, the track distortion or twist can be measured using electro-levels or
other conventional survey instruments.

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8.3 Monitoring of Construction Activity

8.3.1 Any building, development or underground installation works requiring excavation, dewatering
or earth moving activities in the vicinity of the Railway Infrastructure, require comprehensive
monitoring plans to ensure that there is minimal impact on the Railway Infrastructure. The
Contractor should ensure that the proposed monitoring plan considers site characterization
analysis including, but not limited to, soil investigation, hydro-geology studies, and groundwater
flow
8.3.2 Following the sitespecific study, the Contractor should propose the types, locations and number
of monitoring instruments to be installed
8.3.3 If any changes are proposed to the installation location or number of instruments in the
approved plan due to unexpected site conditions, the Contractor should inform the Agency
before making such changes
8.3.4 Monitoring should be performed in accordance with the approved plans. If any unexpected or
excessive movements or ground behaviour are detected, the Contactor should stop the works
immediately, take appropriate measures and report to the Agency

Figure 8.1: Typical Monitoring Scheme

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8.3.5 An overall summary of monitoring location, purpose and instruments is outlined in the table
below.

Table 8.2: Summary of Monitoring Locations, Instruments and Purposes

Location Measurement Instrument Visual Purpose

Observation
Retaining Earth Pressure cell, Wall bending, Compare actual measurement
wall pressure, Water pressure Wall crack, against design values.
Hydro-static cell Continuity, Identify relationships between
pressure Water leakage, surrounding water level, pore
Ground crack water pressure and water
pressure on walls.
Horizontal Electro-level, Check against allowable design
displacement Tiltmeter, limit.
Inclinometer
Wall stress Strain gauge Find stress distribution and
compare with stress used in earth
pressure calculations.
Check stability by comparing
measured stress and allowable
design stress.
Strut, Axial force, Load cell, Strut Check earth pressure proportions
Ground Displacement Strain gauge connection, on strut and ground anchor.
anchor Bolt fastening Compare with allowable design
axial force for stability.
Excavated Displacement Piezometer, Groundwater Check movement of surrounding
ground, at different Inclinometer ingress, grounds and deformation of
Surroundi excavation (insertion type), Road crack, excavated grounds caused by
ng ground level, Extensometer Widening of gaps stress relief.
Pore water between Identify relationships between
pressure, street kerbs displacements of ground behind
Horizontal the wall, retaining wall, and lower
displacement level of excavated ground.
Compare actual measurements
with allowable design limits for
stability check.
Check the amount and range of
settlement of surrounding ground
caused by excavation and
dewatering.
Railway Vertical and Extensometer, Cracks on Check settlements, deformation
structures horizontal Tiltmeter, structures and displacement of structures in
in the displacement, Electro-level, the vicinity of excavation.
vicinity Verticality Inclinometer,
Theodolite

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8.4 Control Measures of Enabling Works (Shoring, Excavation

and Dewatering) near to Railway Infrastructure
8.4.1 Carryout field investigation and collect data
8.4.2 Carryout numerical analysis of dewatering to reveal the expected drawdown of water table level
due to dewatering
8.4.3 Carryoutnumericalanalysisofseepagetogiveanindicationoftheimpactofmigrationoffinecontenton
ground surface level due to dewatering
8.4.4 Verify the adopted parameters used in the numerical analysis by geotechnical soil investigation
study
8.4.5 Identify the pump size and the value of piezometric surface gradient (phreatic surface).
8.4.6 Installation of piezometer in order to verify the existing water table, before dewatering, and to
monitor the drawdown of water table level during dewatering
8.4.7 Monitoring method of fine content percentage during dewatering by installing standpipe outside
the affected / excavated area for collection of water samples
8.4.8 Monitoring plan of settlement in the influenced zone. The allowable settlement for metro
structure shall be as follows:
a) The trigger for metro piers shall not exceed 3mm.
b) The surrounding ground shall not exceed 15 mm
8.4.9 Carryout numerical analysis to confirm that lateral movement during the
excavation/construction phases is safe and within the allowable figures and there is no impact on
Metro Structure
8.4.10 Installation of inclinometer in one of the shoring system at the middle of adjacent side to metro
structure to measure the displacement during construction and ensure that it is within the
acceptance limit
8.4.11 Installation of surface level gauges in order to monitor the settlement of surrounding ground
near to metro structure during construction phases, before & after, to ensure that all records
within the allowable limits
8.4.12 Ensure that vibration will not exceed the allowable limits and there is no impact on the integrity
of adjacent metro structure or existing underground utility services
8.4.13 Monitoring of water leakage inside adjacent metro structure due to construction works
8.4.14 Emergency plan shall be prepared in case if water infiltrated inside metro structure
8.4.15 All the above shall be considered in the risk assessment with clear emergency response and
remedy action to ensure the safety & integrity of metro structures. The trigger in the emergency
plan shall not exceed or near to exceed the allowable limits

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8.5 Reporting
8.5.1 Any changes to the approved plans or applications under review shall be notified to the Rail Right
of Way Office of the Agency before implementation
8.5.2 Depending on the nature of the construction and engineering works planned, the Agency may
request for periodic reports on a regular basis. Usually, periodic reports will be requested for
works that require continuous monitoring activities on Railway Infrastructure or ground
movement monitoring. The applicants shall ensure that all excessive movements (earth
settlement) are detected and recorded and proper actions put in place. A periodic report shall
typically include monitoring data and analysis, safety records, results of any corrective action
request issued by the Agency, safety certificates and operators’ names and qualifications for
heavy equipment and machines.
8.5.3 All applicants shall submit their completion reports within seven working days from the
completion date. The report shall include clear photographs showing the comparison of the site
areas marked ‘Before’ and ‘After’. All site areas within the Railway Protection Zone shall be
reinstated to their original status or completed according to the approved plan. Any damage or
defects to the Railway Infrastructure caused by the applicants shall be rectified at their own cost
and clear photographs shall be shown in the report as evidence of rectification work carried out.
8.5.4 The Agency may conduct a completion inspection to confirm the status of completion and
general condition of the Railway Infrastructure. The completion report shall also include a
summary of the monitoring data and analysis if applicable. Instrumentation shall not be removed
until the stability of the structures or ground has been confirmed

8.6 Site Inspections by the Agency

8.6.1 The Agency, or any other party designated by the Agency, has the right to access the site for
inspections at any time during the execution of approved activities within the Railway Protection
Zone. The inspections will be focused on any deviations from the approved works. Any deviations
from the approved works may be subject to an immediate Stop Work Order and possible
penalties
8.6.2 A final completion inspection may be conducted by the Agency or any other party designated by
the Agency. The final inspection will identify defects or damage to the Railway Infrastructure
caused by the works as well as the overall condition of the Railway Infrastructure

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8.7 Incident / Accident Management

8.7.1 The Agency and the Operator shall be notified immediately should any incidents or accidents
take place which affects or could affect the safety of people or the Railway Infrastructure
8.7.2 All works must be stopped and the Agency and the Operator shall be notified immediately, when
any railway safety concerns are observed
8.7.3 It is the applicant’s responsibility to report to the relevant Government authorities and agencies
any incidents or accidents resulting in personal injuries, death or damage to properties, which do
not belong to the Agency
8.7.4 The applicants shall submit a formal incident report within five working days from the date of an
incident or an accident, summarising the nature of the incident, cause, its effect and the recovery
measures taken.

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9. Risk Assessment

9.1 General
9.1.1 The Risk Assessment Report to be included in NOC applications should be based on the ALARP
risk analysis approach, as outlined in EN 50126 ‘Railway applications—The specification and
demonstration of Reliability, Availability, Maintainability and Safety (RAMS)—Part1: Basic
requirements and generic process’, where the probability or frequency of occurrence of an event
or events leading to a hazard and the consequence of the hazard are estimated to determine the
risk level
9.1.2 ‘ALARP’ means ‘As Low As Reasonably Practicable’, and involves weighing the risk against the
trouble, time and money needed tocontrol it. Thus, ALARP describes the level to which risks can
be expected to be controlled
9.1.3 A hazard is something (e.g. an object, a property of a substance, a phenomenon or an activity)
that can cause adverse effects

9.2 Measuring Hazards

9.2.1 The table below defines the frequency category for identified hazardous events
Table 9.1: Frequency of occurrence of hazardous events
Category Description

Frequent Likely to occur Frequently. The hazard will be continually experienced.

Probable Will occur several times. The hazard can be expected to occur often.
Occasional Likely to occur several times. The hazard can be expected to occur several times.

Remote Likely to occur sometime in the system life cycle. The hazard can be reasonably expected
to occur.
Improbable Unlikely to occur but possible. It can be assumed that the hazard may exceptionally occur.

Incredible Extremely unlikely to occur. It can be assumed that the hazard may not occur.

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9.2.2 The severity levels and the consequences associated with each severity level can be considered
as in the table below
Table 9.2: Hazard Severity Level
Category Description Consequences to Service
Catastrophic Fatalities and/or multiple severe injuries and/or major
damage to the environment.
Critical Single fatality and/or severe injury and/or significant Loss of a major system
damage to the environment.
Marginal Minor injury and/or significant threat to the environment. Severe system(s) damage

Insignificant Possible minor injury Minor system damage

9.2.3 Considering both the frequency of occurrence against the severity of the possible outcome, using
the following ALARP matrix, provides an initial risk category, i.e. ‘intolerable’, ‘undesirable’,
‘tolerable’ or ‘negligible’

Figure 9.1: Risk Matrix

9.2.4 Where initial risks are identified as ‘intolerable, ‘undesirable’ and ‘tolerable’, control measures
should be introduced to reduce the risk to a level that is as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP)
9.2.5 ‘Intolerable’ risks must be eliminated
9.2.6 ‘Undesirable’ risks shall only be accepted when risk reduction is impracticable and with the
agreement of the Agency.
9.2.7 ‘Tolerable’ risks are acceptable with adequate control measures and the agreement of the
Agency

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9.2.8 ‘Negligible’ risks are acceptable with or without Agency agreement.

9.3 Process
9.3.1 Achieving ALARP involves four basic steps as shown below:

Figure 9.2: Steps to achieve ALARP

9.3.2 Throughout the ALARP process, the findings should be recorded in a formal Risk Register
document
9.3.3 A Risk Register is a living document that should be continuously reviewed and updated
throughout anyprojectoractivitylife-cycle,toensurethatallacceptedrisksremainALARP
9.3.4 A sample Risk Register Form is included Appendix A; all Risk Assessment Reports should include a
completed Risk Register

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10. Enquiries

All technical enquiries or comments on this Railway Protection Code of Practice should be sent in writing
to:
Rail Right of Way Services Office
Rail Agency
RTA Offices
Marrakech Road,
P.O. Box 118899
Dubai, U.A.E

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Appendices

Appendix A
Risk Register Form

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Restricted Hazard Identified Hazard Risk Consequence Initial Initial Initial Control Measures and Mitigation Residual Residual Residual
Activity (Cause) Owner Severity Frequency Risk Mitigations Owner Severity Frequency Risk

Feb 2012 A-1

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