Etihad Rail launches safety campaign ahead of stage one of UAE network

Thee developer and operator of the national railway network, has launched a campaign to educate communities and urge them to follow safety procedures along rail lines.

The first phase of the Etihad Rail network will be operational 'soon', the network developer said. Silvia Razgova / The National

ABU DHABI // The developer and operator of the national railway network, has launched a campaign to educate communities and urge them to follow safety procedures along rail lines.

The safety campaign is part of Etihad Rail’s preparations to launch full operations, which will see trains running for the first time in the UAE throughout the Western Region.

“With safety at the forefront of all that we do, Etihad Rail is set to deliver significant economic, social and environmental benefits to the UAE,” said Faris Al Mazrouei, acting chief executive of Etihad Rail.

The first phase of the UAE-wide federal railway network will be operational in the near future, Nazim Assad bin Taher, director of the roads and transport department at the National Transport Authority said.

Stage one is a 200-kilometre freighter line from Shah to Ruwais in the Western Region.

It will be followed by the completion of two other phases by the end of 2018.

The National Transport Authority yesterday opened a workshop in Abu Dhabi on the drafting of a federal law which will regulate the UAE rail sector.

“Preparing the said federal law is in implementation of a relevant resolution by the Ministerial Council for Services.” Mr bin Taher said.

The 1200km double-track network, will handle both freight and passenger services and will eventually link to rail networks in Oman and Saudi Arabia.