Etihad Rail Project On Track; Second Stage Of Construction Finishes Ahead Of Schedule

by Vaishnavi Venkataraman
Etihad Rail Project On Track; Second Stage Of Construction Finishes Ahead Of Schedule

Hyperloop, sky pod, new bus routes– It looks like Dubai’s on a roll to improvise public transport and the latest addition to this list is the new rail route that will link Dubai and Abu Dhabi. You read that right! Soon, you can sit back, relax and enjoy a joyous train ride from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, thanks to Etihad’s innovative venture. And, the latest update is that the project on track as key construction work finishes ahead of schedule. Read on to know more!

Etihad Train Line Will Link All Seven Emirates With Saudi Arabia

Earlier, a video revealed by Etihad Rail shows that a new railway track connecting Dubai with Fujairah is well under way. Besides, excavation work on Etihad rail’s longest tunnel is also complete. The 145 kilometer link will connect the two emirates through at least 15 tunnels and 35 bridges. And now, the newest update is that the second stage of the project has been completed ahead of schedule.

Package A of the second stage, which extends 139 kilometres, and its connection through Al Ghuwaifat on the border of Saudi Arabia with Stage One, which extends 264 kilometres from Habshan to Al Ruwais, is now complete. Officials revealed that this was a significant step towards completing the network on time.

What Is The Etihad Rail & Where Can You Travel In It?

Etihad Rail will link Dubai and Abu Dhabi via a 1200 km train track. Passengers will also enjoy additional stops in Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. The first phase of the operation kicked off in 2016 and covers Al Dhafra to Abu Dhabi. The project is undertaken by a company, which is a subsidiary of China Railway Construction Corporation. China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation recently said that tunneling work, running across 1.8 kilometer through the Hajar mountains has been completed.

The AED 4.6 billion contract includes a 145 kilometer long track all passing through 15 tunnels, 35 bridges, and 32 underpasses connecting Dubai, Sharjah and Fujairah. When complete, the track will cover 1000 kilometers, from Ghuweifat on the border with Saudi Arabia to Fujairah. It will also connect Abu Dhabi’s Khalifa and Mussaffah ports with Dubai’s Jebel Ali port and the Port of Fujairah.

The Etihad rail project is being constructed in three phases. The first phase- a 266km stretch between Al Ruwais and the Shah gasfield in Abu Dhabi, became operational in 2016. Two trains, capable of transporting up to 22,000 tonnes of sulphur run across the country, everyday.

So, get set for day trips to Abu Dhabi or further afield! Meanwhile, here are Top 5 attractions to visit in Abu Dhabi.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoMq42jDqUE