Etihad Rail has received the first order of new locomotives and wagons, as it continues to expand its fleet ahead of the national rail network’s completion.
The arrival of the new fleet comes ahead of the company’s herculean goal to build a railway network that runs 1,200 kilometres across the UAE – from the border of Saudi Arabia to Fujairah.
Etihad Rail aims to increase its fleet of locomotives to 45 heavy transport units. The orders came from Progress Rail, a US-based subsidiary of Caterpillar that manufactures diesel and electric locomotives.
It also aims to increase the its multi-purpose wagon fleet to more than 1,000. China’s CRRC Group was contracted to deliver these wagons.
“Upon completion and becoming fully operational, the network will contribute to revitalising and bolstering economic growth in the UAE, particularly during the next 50 years, by providing reliable and safe freight services with high efficiency,” Mohammed Al Marzouqi, executive director of rail relations sector at Etihad Rail said.
In May this year, the company said 75 percent of the network had already been built. A freight service linking Shah and Habshan in Abu Dhabi’s Al Ruwais is already operational, and has been carrying 22,000 tonnes of sulphur for the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company.
The second and last stage of the railway project is still under construction. It will connect Ghuwaifat, in the UAE-Saudi Arabia border, and Fujairah.
The national rail network is expected to contribute massively to the UAE’s economy. It was unveiled as part of the country’s Projects of the 50, which sets out an economic blueprint for the next 50 years.
“The network will also contribute to the region’s economic growth upon its connection with the GCC network, which will consolidate the UAE’s position as a regional and global centre for shipping and logistics services,” Al Marzouqi said.
Once completed, the railway network will significantly reduce commute time between emirates. For example, travelling from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah will only take 100 minutes – around 30 to 40 percent shorter compared to taking other means of land transportation.
Passenger line and routes have not been announced, but Etihad Rail earlier unveiled plans of building the network’s first passenger train station in Sakamkam in Fujairah.
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