Etihad Rail, Oman Rail and Mubadala Investment Company have signed an agreement to launch the Oman-Emirates rail project. The agreement was signed when the Sultan of Oman, Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, was on a state visit to the United Arab Emirates.
A total investment of USD 3 billion will be required to build this rail line from Oman to the Emirates. 2500 Crores in Indian Rupees. The train service will be an entry into the UAE and Oman markets. Also, this rail network will pave the way for the development of various sectors in both the countries.
Oman – Formerly Etihad Railways, the company is now known as Hafid Railways. The name pays homage to Jebel Hafeet, which stretches between the Sultanate of Oman and the United Arab Emirates.
Jebel Hafid has strategic importance and historical significance for both countries. It acts as a link between the two neighboring countries through a rugged terrain that includes mountains, deserts and unique limestone formations.
The network will facilitate cross-border trade, connecting commercial ports with railways within the two countries. A freight train journey can carry more than 15,000 tonnes of cargo – or about 270 standard containers.
Hafid Rail will contribute to the development of various sectors in both the countries like mining, iron and steel, agriculture and food, retail, e-commerce and petrochemical sector.
A passenger train service to be constructed on this route will connect people. Promotes social and family cohesion. At the same time it will support the tourism industry. The passenger train will run at a speed of 200 kilometers per hour and cover the distance between Sohar and Abu Dhabi in just 100 minutes. It takes 47 minutes to travel from Sohar to Al Ain. A train can carry up to 400 passengers.
Three companies have signed an agreement to start a train service between Oman and the Emirates for the development of passenger service and cargo delivery in both countries.
