Etihad Rail has begun laying tracks at the railhead in Saih Shuaib towards both Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The track-laying ceremony was inaugurated by Etihad Rail chairman Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in the presence of senior government officials.
The developer and operator of the UAE’s national railway network said it also laid tracks across the Al Dhafrah Region under Package A of Stage Two of the country’s railway network project in early January.
Sheikh Theyab reviewed project updates and is said to have taken a 10km ride on an inspection train designated for supervision and inspection of construction works, from the starting point of track laying in Saih Shuaib towards both Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
During the journey, he was briefed on Etihad Rail’s procedures and measures to protect the natural habitat and wildlife during the implementation of the project within the forest, including the development of bridges, culverts and animal crossings, the statement noted.
The company said the rail network is being built to international standards and will span approximately 1,200km when it is complete. It is expected to act as a catalyst for economic growth and sustained social development.
Commenting on the significance of the project, Sheikh Theyab said Etihad Rail was capable of revolutionising the UAE’s transport sector as it was a key part of the UAE’s top integrated transport ecosystem, thus strengthening its global position in provision of quality transport infrastructure.
Etihad Rail said it successfully completed Stage One of the network on schedule and within budget and is now fully operational. The route spans 264km, transporting granulated sulphur from sources at Shah and Habshan to the export point at Ruwais. Stage Two links the UAE and Saudi Arabia from Fujairah Port to Ghuweifat through Mussafah, Khalifa Port and Jebel Ali Port, the statement said.
In its statement, the developer and operator said that upon completion, the railway will redefine logistics and mobility in the region, providing a modern, safe, efficient and sustainable mode of transport that will connect all regions of the UAE to its neighbouring GCC countries.
