A Deutsche Bahn (DB) subsidiary and Etihad Rail, UAE’s national railway network, have signed a joint venture (JV) agreement to operate and maintain the new 264km freight line from Ruwais to Shah and Habshan in the country.
The ‘Etihad Rail DB’ JV will also serve as consultant for the operations of the future stages of the UAE rail network and will be led by Etihad Rail vice-chairman Mattar Al Tayer.
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Etihad Rail chairman Nasser Alsowaidi said: "Deutsche Bahn and DB Schenker Rail are the ideal partners to help spearhead a successful, modern railway for the UAE for generations to come.
"The joint venture is a very positive step forward for Etihad Rail, furthering our commitment to provide the UAE with a world-class, modern, integrated and efficient rail network that will drive economic position."
Etihad Rail is developing a new 1,200km, $11bn rail network in the UAE, which is currently being carried out in three phases; following completion it will be used for both freight and passenger transport.
The new freight line is under construction and will operate two trains to transport 22,000 metric tonnes of granulated sulphur daily, It is expected to open for service by the end of the year.
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By GlobalDataThe 628km second stage of the rail project will connect Mussafah Port to Khalifa Port and Jebel Ali Port. Stage three of the line will span 279km and will connect the rest of the Northern Emirates.
