The Etihad Rail track has connected all seven emirates in the UAEEtihad Rail has successfully completed the UAE National Rail Network, a massive project spanning 900 km that links all seven emirates with a primary railway.  A new video by Etihad Rail on Twitter confirmed that the UAE’s much-awaited rail network is now complete.  The network will also connect four ports in the UAE, as well as logistics hubs, and will be a crucial component in the country’s logistics and transportation infrastructure.In addition, the Etihad Rail track will have 593 bridges and crossings, a fleet of 38 locomotives, six tunnels and connect the seven emirates of the UAE.  The network will strengthen the country’s competitiveness and unite the emirates. While cargo train operations across all emirates have commenced, passenger trains will launch later.Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, attended the opening ceremony of the railway’s central control and maintenance centre in Abu Dhabi, lauding the achievement as a significant milestone in the country’s development journey. The launch was held on Thursday, last week.  Sheikh Mohammed said: “We are proud of the performance of our sons and daughters who have worked hard over the years to build an ambitious strategic project that will propel our national economy to greater heights.  “Connecting the Emirates via a national railway network strengthens our capabilities and competitiveness, and consolidates our unity”The UAE National Rail Network is one of the largest infrastructure projects in the region, and it is intended to connect the seven emirates via a primary railway network.  The project’s successful completion is a testament to the talents of the UAE’s citizens and the support of its leadership.  The railway network has been built to international specifications, with a total of 38 locomotives and over 1,000 wagons that can transport all types of goods.  The main line of the UAE National Rail Network extends from Ghuweifat on the border of Saudi Arabia, to Fujairah, forming an essential part of the global supply network.  The first stage of the network has been fully operational since January 2016, while the second stage of the project started in early 2020.The UAE national railway network will contribute to supporting the national economy at a value of AED200 billion ($54.5 billion), and saving AED8 billion ($2.2 billion) in the cost of road maintenance.  The network’s tourism benefits are estimated at AED23 billion ($6.3 billion). (ICE DUBAI)

Fonte notizia: https://www.arabianbusiness.com/industries/transport/etihad-rail-announces-100-successful-completion