[ad_1]
The 1,200-kilometer network, which will stretch from the border of Saudi Arabia to the border of Oman, has become one of the most anticipated projects in the UAE
Photo: Twitter
2022 will be an extraordinary year for Etihad Rail, according to a video posted on the network’s social media channels. From January to December, the railway achieved several milestones, including 75% completion of its 1,200km UAE network, which will stretch from the border of Saudi Arabia to the border of Oman.
Since its inception under a federal mandate in June 2009, Etihad Rail has become one of the most anticipated projects in the UAE. While businesses look forward to cost-effective and sustainable transportation, many residents dream of being able to travel across the country by train.
Etihad Rail is off to a good start with a redesign of the locomotives in January 2022. The following month, the authorities signed an agreement with First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) to finance passenger rail services for a total value of AED1.99 billion.
March saw the major development of the UAE’s largest infrastructure project – linking the emirates of Dubai and Abu Dhabi with a direct rail link. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Sheikh Tayab bin Mohammed, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court and Etihad Rail · Bin Zayed Al Nahyan witnessed this momentous event. Together, they installed the final piece on the railway track, marking the start of a new phase of logistical and economic integration between the two emirates.
The following month, Network Rail partnered with Dubai Industry City to build a state-of-the-art freight terminal. In May, the 16th Middle East Railway Conference was held in Abu Dhabi, outlining a roadmap for the transformation of the region’s transport and logistics industry.During the event, Etihad Rail signed three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with European companies to exchange knowledge and expertise in the rail industry
In June, an agreement was signed with the Spanish company CAF for the construction, supply and maintenance of passenger trains. Khalifa Port will be connected to the mainland next month with the completion of the UAE’s first railway sea bridge. August sees the arrival of the first fleet of state-of-the-art new trains and wagons. Each of the new diesel and electric locomotives is equipped with the latest filtration technology to ensure efficient operation of the trains as they traverse desert regions.
September is a busy month. Etihad Rail participated in the Innotrans 2022 transport technology exhibition in Berlin and signed Memorandums of Understanding with four leading rail companies. It is also connecting the country’s largest rail freight terminal at the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi (ICAD) to the mainline of the UAE’s national rail network, transitioning to self-operated mode following the completion of a knowledge transfer program with Deutsche Bahn.
In October, the Oman-Etihad Railway Company was established to build a railway connecting Oman’s Sohar Port and the UAE’s national railway network. This month, work on the trunk line in the emirates of Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah was completed. The following month, Etihad Rail signed an agreement with Borouge to transport 1.3 million tonnes of polyolefins per year. In December, the prototype of the first passenger train was unveiled at the grand celebration of the National Day.
The rail network is on track to accelerate network construction, which will connect all seven emirates and 11 major cities when completed, and is expected to revolutionize travel in the country.
Also read:
[ad_2]
Source link