UAE’s national railway network operator Etihad Rail has handed over the operation control centre (OCC) in Mirfa to Etihad Rail DB, a joint venture between Etihad Rail and DB Schenker.
Formed in March 2014, Etihad Rail DB will be responsible to manage the operation and maintenance of the first stage of the UAE’s national railway network from the control centre.
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Etihad Rail CEO Faris Saif Al Mazrouei said: "The OCC is at the core of the railway network.
"The qualified staff members working in the OCC are responsible for the overall control and command of the system, including all train movements and this move is an important step forward for the project."
Being built in three stages, the UAE’s national railway network will offer a modern, safe, efficient and sustainable mode of transportation in the country. The line will connect all regions of the UAE to the neighbouring GCC countries.
The stage one of the railway network has been completed and trains are currently running between Habshan and Ruwais in the western region of Abu Dhabi on a trial basis.
Using this line, Etihad Rail will be able to transport more than seven million tons of granulated sulphur annually for Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc).
Stage two of the network will connect the railway to Mussafah, Khalifa Port and Jebel Ali port and will see the railway extend to the Saudi Arabian and Omani borders.
Recently, Etihad Rail signed an Operational & Maintenance Agreement with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) for the transport of sulphur.
Image: Etihad Rail’s network will span approximately 1,200km, acting as a catalyst for economic growth and sustained social development. Photo: courtesy of Etihad Rail.
