Etihad Rail, Sharjah gears up for new passenger train station
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HH Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, and Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Etihad Rail, at the announcement ceremony in Sharjah on Wednesday
Sharjah: HH Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, announced a passenger train station to be opened near Sharjah university, linking with the main track of UAE’s national railways network - Etihad Rail. The announcing ceremony, held at Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi Centre, was graced by the presence of H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Etihad Rail.
Etihad Rail, the driving force behind the UAE’s national railways network, is on a mission to enhance passenger train services, connecting cities and residential areas across the country. The announcement marks a crucial step in this strategy, focusing on improving connectivity and ensuring a secure, reliable and efficient network.
The highlight of the event was the signing of a design-build agreement to connect the network track to the passenger station in Sharjah. Shadi Malak, the CEO of Etihad Rail, and Naji Al Harthi, the Chairman of Tristar Engineering & Construction Company, sealed the deal, paving the way for a seamless connection.
H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed emphasized the key role played by Etihad Rail in developing and operating the UAE national rail network.
“Currently, efforts are focused on connecting the main track of the network to the passenger station in the Emirate of Sharjah. This step enhances the connection between residential communities in the Emirates and makes it easier for passengers to move among the stations in the network, especially as Sharjah is strategically located, connecting Dubai with the other northern Emirates, and hosting vital centres and landmarks”, said Sheikh Theyab.
The connection of the main rail network with the Sharjah passenger station is expected to significantly improve passenger transport, especially benefiting university students from different emirates. With an anticipated rise in the number of passengers to around 14,000 per day on weekdays, the Etihad Train is set to become a crucial mode of transportation.
The UAE's national railway network, spanning over 900 kilometers, is being implemented in adherence to top global standards. This ensures competitive passenger transport services in the future, with the railway linking 11 cities and regions across the country from Al Sila to Fujairah, including Al Ruwais, Al Mirfa, Fujairah, Sharjah, Al Dhaid, Abu Dhabi and Dubai.