Etihad Rail’s marine bridge: Key numbers of the landmark project

Etihad Rail’s marine bridge: Key numbers of the landmark project

Image: Etihad Rail Media Centre

Etihad Rail, the UAE’s national rail network has made great strides since the project’s inception in 2016.

It connects the country’s ports to logistics hubs as it transports a range of goods and cargo across the varied landscape.

Etihad Rail freight network

The network spanning 1,200 kilometres links the country’s seven emirates from the border with Saudi Arabia at Ghuwaifat, connecting the emirates via Abu Dhabi, KIZAD, Khalifa Port, Jebel Ali Port, Dubai, Sharjah, Ras al-Khaimah and then to Fujairah on the UAE’s east coast.

This year saw the launch of the freight services as the network opened for business. The freight network is expected to transport about 20 million tonnes of cargo across the UAE in 2023 with a stated goal of ramping up the capacity to 60 million tonnes a year by 2030. The freight trains comprise of 1,082 wagons and can travel up to 120 kilometres per hour.

Additionally, Etihad Rail’s new fleet will also contribute towards reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 70 per cent to 80 per cent as it takes lorries off streets to consolidate the transport of goods.

Etihad Rail waterfront bridge

The national railway network passes through several geographical terrains. Its construction included 593 bridges and