Etihad Rail unveiled on Thursday the first high-speed, all-electric passenger train that will connect Abu Dhabi and Dubai, allowing commuters to travel between the two emirates in just 30 minutes.
This train, which will run at 350kmph, will pass through six stations: Reem Island, Saadiyat, Yas Island, and Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi, as well as near Al Maktoum International Airport and Al Jaddaf area in Dubai. Besides this state-of-the-art transport option, Etihad Rail will also be rolling out a regular passenger train.
The fast-speed train and its related infrastructure will be built after concluding tenders. As of now, there is no estimated time for when it could be ready, said Mohammed Al Shehhi, chief projects officer at Etihad Rail.
This project is expected to add Dh145 billion to the UAE’s gross domestic product (GDP) over the next 50 years.
By comparison, the regular passenger train will eventually travel throughout the UAE towards the border with Oman, passing through Mezeira’a, along Liwa Desert and its famous oasis. There will also be stations in Sharjah and Fujairah, and it will extend to the wider GCC, once the GCC Railway is operational.
The regular-speed passenger train will connect all the emirates. It will travel at 200kmph, and can accommodate up to 400 passengers. It has the same rail as the cargo trains, and will have four stations in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah.
Even though the train is fully equipped and ready, the spokesperson said it has not yet been revealed when it will start operations.
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