In a significant development for the UAE’s transportation infrastructure, Etihad Rail has confirmed the location of a new passenger station in Fujairah‘s Sakamkam area. This announcement, made at the inaugural Global Rail conference in Abu Dhabi, marks another step forward in the nation’s ambitious rail project.
Key Highlights of Etihad Rail’s Passenger Network
- Connecting the Emirates: The network will link 11 cities and regions across the UAE.
- Confirmed Stations:
- Sakamkam, Fujairah
- University City, Sharjah
- Impressive Speeds: Passenger trains will reach speeds of up to 200 km/h.
- Projected Ridership: By 2030, Etihad Rail aims to transport 36 million passengers annually.
Adhraa Almansoori, Director of Public Policy and Sustainability at Etihad Rail, shared these details at the conference, highlighting the project’s scope and ambition.
The Etihad Rail Project: A Closer Look
- Network Length: 900 km, connecting all seven emirates
- International Connections: The UAE is pioneering Gulf rail connectivity with plans to link to neighbouring countries
- Hafeet Rail: A joint venture between Mubadala, Oman Rail, and Etihad Rail, extending over 300 km to connect the UAE with Oman’s Sohar port
Freight Operations: Already in Motion
While passenger services are still in development, Etihad Rail’s freight operations are well underway:
- Operational since 2016 on a 264 km route
- Full 900 km network operational for freight since 2023
- Maximum freight train speed: 120 km/h
- Projected freight volume by 2030: 30 million tons annually
- 11 freight terminals, including connections to four strategic ports: Ruwais, Khalifa, Jebel Ali, and Fujairah
Sustainability: A Core Focus
Etihad Rail is committed to environmental sustainability:
- Projected 21% reduction in CO2 emissions from land transport by 2050
- Estimated annual reduction of 8.2 million tons of CO2
- Careful consideration of biodiversity in network design and construction
The Passenger Experience
At the Global Rail conference, visitors got a glimpse of the future passenger experience:
- A sample train compartment was on display, featuring grey leather seats with the Etihad Rail logo
- A video simulation offered a virtual journey along the rail network
Looking Ahead
While the exact launch date for passenger services remains under wraps, Etihad Rail is in discussions with multiple manufacturers for passenger locomotives, focusing on sustainability and supplier resilience.
Conclusion
The unveiling of the Fujairah passenger station location is a significant milestone in the UAE’s rail development. As the project progresses, it promises to revolutionise transportation across the emirates, offering a sustainable, efficient alternative to road travel. The Etihad Rail network is set to play a crucial role in the UAE’s economic and environmental future, connecting cities, people, and businesses like never before.
Stay tuned for more updates on this transformative project that’s shaping the future of transportation in the UAE.
JobXDubai 
Leave a comment