Etihad Rail introduced on Thursday seven new stations, bringing the full to 11, which can join passengers throughout the UAE. The brand new stations — Al Sila, Al Dhannah, Al Mirfa, Madinat Zayed, Mezairaa, Al Faya, and Al Dhaid — kind the whole passenger community, which is anticipated to start operations this yr.
The brand new stations are along with the beforehand introduced ones in Mohammed Bin Zayed Metropolis in Abu Dhabi, Jumeirah Golf Estates in Dubai, College Metropolis in Sharjah, and the Al Hilal space in Fujairah.
A press launch said that these stations will open in phases and join 11 cities and areas, creating the UAE’s first totally built-in nationwide passenger rail system. Mohammed Alshehii, Chief Initiatives Officer at Etihad Rail stated that station areas had been “fastidiously chosen” inside key areas to serve inhabitants centres.
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Azza AlSuwaidi, Deputy CEO, stated: “The passenger rail community is a cornerstone of the UAE’s transport system, supporting improvement and connectivity. Constructing on our freight service since 2023, this milestone displays associate collaboration and nationwide expertise, supported by world greatest practices. The brand new community is supplied with superior expertise and next-generation trains for dependable service.”
Enterprise and financial system courses
Earlier, it was introduced that Etihad Rail trains will characteristic enterprise and financial system courses, providing a snug journey expertise. The enterprise class compartment may have 16 seats, whereas the financial system class compartment may have 56 seats.
Prepare interiors will characteristic a up to date design, full Wi-Fi connectivity, and energy shops at each seat. Providers will run on an everyday schedule, providing quick, environment friendly journey between cities and decreasing street congestion.
Alshehhi stated that 10 of the 13 trains have arrived, been examined, and authorized to the best worldwide security and high quality requirements. Every prepare can accommodate as much as 400 passengers and will probably be operated utilizing the newest techniques.
7000 specialists and staff
Alshehhi credited the challenge’s scale to a big, devoted workforce. “This achievement is the results of three years of intensive planning, design, and supply, with whole working hours reaching 24.5 million and the involvement of greater than 7,000 specialists and staff,” he stated.
In October final yr, Etihad Rail signed a landmark three way partnership with world passenger transport chief Keolis to function the passenger rail service. On the time, Alistair Gordon, CEO of Keolis UK, Center East and India, stated that the corporate would run the trains and any connections, together with buses, taxis, automobiles, and automobile parking, making it simpler for individuals to maneuver across the UAE. The corporate will prepare drivers and recruit employees, amongst different issues.
The passenger rail community is anticipated to ship nationwide advantages by boosting tourism, mobility, emission discount, and social and financial ties, making the UAE extra related and accessible.
Nasreen Abdulla
Nasreen Abdulla is a Particular Correspondent overlaying meals, tech and human curiosity tales. When not challenged by deadlines, you’ll discover her pulling off submissions on the jiu jitsu mats.
