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In a significant development for the UAE’s transportation infrastructure, the main track of Etihad Rail, the national railway network, was officially connected to a to-be-built passenger station in Sharjah.
Shadi Malak, CEO of Etihad Rail, and Naji Al Harthy, chairman of Tristar Engineering and Construction, signed the design and construction agreement for connecting the track to the Sharjah passenger station, in the presence of Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and Sheikh Theyab Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed, chairman of Etihad Rail, on Wednesday, March 6.
The Sharjah passenger station will be strategically located near Sharjah University City, offering convenient access to central facilities, landmarks and population centers within the emirate and beyond.
This connection is expected to significantly reduce travel distances between stations within the network, enhancing overall passenger experience.
Etihad Rail: Connecting key centres across the UAE
At the launch, Sheikh Theyab highlighted the project’s significance, stating that Sharjah serves as a vital link between Dubai and the northern emirates.
He further projected a significant increase in passenger traffic, particularly among university students across the UAE, with an estimated rise of 14,000 daily weekday passengers on the railway network.
In other news, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Etihad Rail signed an MoU at the World Governments Summit (WGS) 2024. The partnership will see the RTA developing ticket booking and fare payment solutions through its nol system.