The UAE government has developed huge projects to aid commercial firms and stimulate economic growth during the last three decades. Etihad Rail, a national railway network that would serve the country’s ever-expanding industries, marked the beginning of a vast railway project across the region. Initially, the project’s concentration was on train freight services. In the long run, however, passenger train service was promised as a cheaper, faster, and greener transport option.
Now that 70% of the twin-track infrastructure (passenger and freight) has been finished and the lines between Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been connected, it’s the ideal time to review all we know about Etihad Rail thus far.
All About the Etihad Rail Project – Phase I
In 2009, the Etihad Rail project was launched. The first phase of the project was completed in 2016 when two trains began running across the country. On a single journey, each train can transport 22,000 tonnes of sulphur and 110 wagons. So far, 30 million tonnes of granulated sulphur have been carried without a single injury or lost-time occurrence, equating to 1.8 million truck journeys. Surprisingly, a single railway journey eliminates nearly 300 trucks from the road, resulting in an 80 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.
For Phase 1 of the rail network, the UAE purchased seven Electro-Motive Diesel locomotives from the United States, each with in-cab European signaling equipment. Derailment prevention, electronically controlled pneumatic brakes, and other enhanced safety measures are also standard on all 110 wagons. Each unloaded wagon weighs 30 tonnes, but when loaded, the weight rises to 130 tonnes.
The European Train Control System (ETCS) sends the signaling and movement information directly to the cab. The train’s data is forwarded to the Radio Block Centre (RBC), which displays its exact location as well as directions. To refine the train’s position, odometers, GMS-R or radar, and accelerometers are employed. Additionally, speed and route statistics are utilized.
The two 264-kilometer routes convey granulated sulphur from gas fields in Shah and Habshan to the Ruwais export point.
Phase II
The Etihad Rail network will be vital for transport and business in the region once it is completed. The idea is to link the UAE’s seven emirates to the GCC’s five neighboring countries. Etihad Rail’s Phase Two will see the completion of a 605-kilometer route from Ghuweifat, near the Saudi Arabian border, to Fujairah.
For stage two of the Etihad Railway project, the UAE will acquire another 38 locomotives. These machines are capable of pulling a 100-wagon train per day, effectively replacing up to 5,600 trucks.
On the East Coast, the Etihad Rail network will connect the capital Abu Dhabi, KIZAD, Port Khalifa, Port Jebel Ali, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Dubai, and Fujairah. This extension will connect to the current line at Ruwais, thereby connecting the UAE’s commerce centers and key industrial ports.
Depending on the materials, different carts will be utilized to convey items. Temperature-controlled carriages, rail gondolas, bulk material flatbed wagons, and intermodal steel containers are among them.
Package A contracts were given to a joint venture between China State Construction Engineering Corporation and SK Engineering and Construction of South Korea. This would entail designing, constructing, civil engineering, and working on the first 139 kilometers of track between Ruwais and Ghuweifat.
Packages B and C have been combined to connect Khalifa Port, Khalifa Industrial City (KIZAD), and Jebel Ali Port. Ghantoot Transport & General Contracting Company and China Railway Construction Corporation Ltd were awarded this contract, which involves work on design, construction, civil engineering, and other rail infrastructure. Tarif to Saih Shuaib (216 km) and Jebel Ali to Sharjah are two of the routes (94 km).
A joint venture is also assigned the fourth package, “D.” This 132-kilometer route connects Sharjah with Fujairah and is being built by China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) and National Projects and Construction (NPC). This route will pass via the Hajar Mountains and pass through Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, and Fujairah.
Etihad Rail has also formed agreements with governmental and non-governmental organizations to ensure the project’s timely completion and successful operation.
The good news is that track construction has already started. The track laying of Saih Shuaib railhead, towards Abu Dhabi and Dubai, was attended by His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court and Chairman of Etihad Rail.
The 256-kilometer track connecting Abu Dhabi and Dubai was finished in April 2022. It took 47 million hours to build and employed over 13,000 people. There are 60 crossings, 29 bridges, and 137 drainage channels throughout the route.
H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court and Chairman of Etihad Rail, and H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance, placed the final pieces of the track.
The Passenger Train
By 2030, the passenger rail service is anticipated to serve 36 million people. The project’s completion date has yet to be determined. Test flights between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, on the other hand, have commenced.
The Emirates Road (E611) will run parallel to this track. The train will pass through the Expo 2020 site as well as the Al Maktoum International Airport. It takes roughly 50 minutes to go from the capital to Dubai. The trip from Fujairah to Abu Dhabi will take approximately 100 minutes.
With a uniform ticketing and journey planning system, Eithad Rail will be integrated with the existing public transportation system, such as buses and the metro. Passengers will be able to travel across the country on rail once it is completed, and trains will be able to traverse national borders in the future.
The First Look
Etihad Rail’s debut appearance came in January 2022. The Etihad Rail emblem is prominently placed on silver and grey carriages. Images of what the carriages might look like on the inside were also provided.
Depending on the flight class, different sorts of seating arrangements will be available. You may expect a relaxing trip with plenty of room between passenger compartments. All carriages will include Wi-Fi, charging stations, and entertainment systems, as well as a variety of food and beverage options. The trains’ overall appearance can be described as futuristic, sleek, and aerodynamic.
How Will Etihad Rail Impact Business Operations in the UAE?
The Etihad Rail network is expected to replace 5,600 trucks per day if fully operating. As traffic on road networks decreases, travel between emirates will become speedier.
Before the project began, an environmental analysis was done to assess and estimate its impact. Trains produce up to 80% less carbon dioxide than trucks carrying the same cargo, so the Etihad Rail project can help reduce pollution.
The Etihad Railway network can help cut greenhouse gas emissions by 2.2 million metric tonnes per year on average. It’s the equivalent of removing 375,000 vehicles from the road. Similarly, over the next four decades, the Emirates Rail network will save the government AED 186 billion.
Environment Protection and Other Considerations
To reduce its environmental impact, Etihad Rail conducted Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs). This is true for all four phases of a project: planning, development, construction, and operation. Similarly, all contractors must adhere to the project’s norms and standards.
Ten road underpasses, two underbridges, and 20 overbridges were built during Stage One. In addition, 18 small underpasses were constructed for future usage to minimize disturbing traffic flow.
It’s worth noting that the infrastructure was designed to ensure that animal habitats were not harmed in any way. To constantly monitor the species and maintain their habitats, 78 reptiles, 10 camels, and 22 gazelle underpasses were built. During the project’s development, breeding grounds, particularly for endangered species, were avoided. Similarly, any vegetation that had to be removed was carefully replaced in a suitable location.
Military fences, border fences, sand mitigation fences, security fences, and anti-dazzle fences have all been installed as part of the project.
Another important concern was noise reduction. Because there are no road junctions, train horns will be used only in an emergency. There are no joints on the tracks, and the ballasts utilized absorb noise and energy. At a distance of 25 meters, the noise of three locomotives and 110 wagons should not exceed 88 decibels.
