The UAE does not fall short on state-of-the-art projects. Whether it’s landmark buildings or transportation options, the UAE has long taken groundbreaking initiatives to add more to the country’s appeal. Etihad Rail is a shining example of the UAE taking transportation to a whole new level. The ultra-modern rail system opens new chapters in the transportation industry. Besides feasible mobility, there is a lot more to look out for with Etihad Rail. We will review some interesting Etihad Rail facts and get valuable insights about the trailblazing project.
Etihad Rail – A Brief History
The state-of-the-art train network started in 2009. The Etihad Rail project served as a landmark development in the country’s transportation sector. The first phase, completed in 2016 contributed greatly to minimising the carbon footprint in the UAE.
The foundation was then laid to expand the network and an agreement was signed between the Abu Dhabi Department of Finance and UAE Ministry of Finance. Phase two of the advanced project will link the seven Emirates like never before. As the Etihad train rolls, the people in the UAE will benefit from all the perks the project offers.
Etihad Rail Facts
The Etihad Rail project has made rounds ever since its announcement and for all the right reasons. The project in the pipeline is now a reality and people will be boarding the ultra-modern train sooner rather than later.
That said, let’s now go through some interesting facts about Etihad Rail and see how it stands out.
THE PROJECT WILL SERVE PASSENGERS AND CARGO
The UAE has a myriad of public transport options. From Dubai Metro to Abu Dhabi Water Taxi, there are multiple mobility options for people in the country. However, Etihad Rail stands out as it is designed for freight and passengers.
The dual functionality will favour both commercial and industrial users and services. All the more reasons to make the rail system one to look out for.
THE TRAIN CAN TRAVEL AT MORE THAN 200 KM/H
Speed is also among the many things you should know about Etihad Rail. The cargo services can reach up to 120 km/h – considering the heavy loads of cargo, the speed is pretty decent.
However, the passenger services’ speed is the one to look out for. Etihad Rail passenger train is set to pace up public mobility with a maximum speed of more than 200 km/h.
ETIHAD RAIL WILL SIGNIFICANTLY DECREASE THE CARBON FOOTPRINT
Electric and solar cars provide a sustainable transportation option in the automobile sector. Environment-friendly awareness and initiatives in the automotive sector have picked up pace in recent years.
Etihad Rail phase 2 will play a significant part in decreasing the carbon footprint. Phase one of the project has already witnessed the transportation of more than 30 million tonnes of granulated sulphur.
The sulphur quantity transported amounts to about 2.8 million truck trips. This is a significant amount of carbon footprint decreased in the country. Additionally, with phase 2 covering a larger area and more Emirates, more positive changes are likely to occur.
THE TRAIN TRANSPORTS PASSENGERS FROM ONE EMIRATE TO ANOTHER IN A QUICK TIME
The advanced train transporting passengers from one Emirates to another in quick time is also one of the interesting Etihad Rail facts. There are some convenient ways to travel to Abu Dhabi from Dubai and vice versa. However, Etihad Rail reduces travel time by a noticeable amount.
People residing in the UAE can make use of the modern train and travel between Emirates as per the duration mentioned below:
- From Abu Dhabi to Dubai – 50 minutes
- Coming from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah – 100 minutes
- From Dubai to Fujairah – 50 minutes
- Coming Abu Dhabi to Ruwais – 70 minutes
In addition to decreased travel time, Etihad Rail will help people avoid traffic congestion.
THE RAILWAY NETWORK WILL EXPAND ACROSS BORDERS
The plan to expand the network across borders may be one of the things you never knew about Etihad Rail. Besides providing a seamless passenger and cargo mobility option in the UAE, the network will go beyond borders.
A landmark partnership between Etihad Rail and Mudabla has allowed the track to expand by 303 kilometres. This will connect the two GCC nations from the city of Abu Dhabi to Sohar from Oman in about 100 minutes.
In addition to the Dubai to Oman bus service among other options, people will be able to choose Etihad Rail for travelling between the two GCC nations. Moreover, there have been talks to expand the network to Saudi Arabia, however, we will have to wait and see when the development takes place.
ETIHAD RAIL WILL CREATE MANY JOB OPPORTUNITIES
The railway system plays a great part in the country’s economy by boosting employment opportunities. Etihad Rail will provide more than 9000 jobs in the railway industry and the related sectors.
IT’S A WILDLIFE-FRIENDLY RAILWAY SYSTEM
One of the most interesting Etihad Rail facts is the high focus on the conservation of wildlife and natural habitat. Etihad Rail has partnered with the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism to ensure minimum wildlife and natural disruption due to the train’s track.
Some of the great initiatives to protect the natural heritage and wildlife include:
- Horns are to be used only in emergencies
- Using noise control technology to minimise sound levels
- Special fencing around the train tracks
- 10 camel, 22 gazelle and 78 reptile underpasses
- Engine emission levels are Tier 3 (EPA)
All these will make train rides more intriguing as people will be able to witness the natural habitat and local wildlife species during the journey.
THE FREIGHT SERVICE IS NOW OPERATIONAL
One of the interesting Etihad Rail facts is about the project’s completion. Originally expected to be completed by 2024, the freight service is now operational. The entire rail system is now complete and is set to carry an estimated 36.5 million passengers by 2030.
With the paced-up developments, we can expect to see the passenger service launched sooner. You can visit the official Etihad Rail website for the latest updates or any other information.
These are all the interesting Etihad Rail facts you needed to know. The state-of-the-art railway system holds landmark value in the development of transportation in the UAE. From passengers to cargo, mobility will become relatively easier for people and businesses in the country.
Moreover, the environment-friendly element adheres to the government’s initiative of reducing carbon footprint in the country. Go through these upcoming transportation projects in the UAE to see the developments you can expect to see shortly.
While the Etihad Rail passenger service is yet to become operational, there are other convenient ways to travel within the UAE and across borders. For instance, used cars can be a viable and budget-friendly mobility option and they come with a lot of perks.
Browse through these pre-owned cars for sale in the UAE and select from a plethora of vehicles listed.
Stay tuned to dubizzle’s auto blog for information about transportation projects in the UAE and more.
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