Etihad Rail and the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) have signed a cooperation agreement for securing railways alignments, station locations and all operational responsibilities.

As part of the agreement, the RTA will issue non-objection certificates (NOCs) for any road works required by Etihad Rail in line with the timeline and framework agreed by both parties.

Upon completion, the Etihad Rail network will span approximately 1,200 kilometres across the UAE, transporting both freight and passengers.

The network will also form a part of the GCC Railway Network, linking the UAE to Saudi Arabia through Ghweifat in the west, and Oman through Al-Ain in the east.

Etihad Rail had been planning to award the phase-two contracts for the railway last year, although the contract has still not been awarded. Phase two will connect major ports and cities in the UAE. The 62km rail line will link Ruwais in Abu Dhabi to Ghweifat on the country’s border with Saudi Arabia.

Etihad Rail is also planning to tender phase three of the railway, which will cover the track connecting to the northern emirates.