Etihad Rail has completed the excavation of all rail tunnels of Package D of Stage Two of the UAE National Rail Network, two months ahead of schedule, and according to the highest standards of safety and sustainability, it has announced.
In a statement, His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Member of the Federal Supreme Council and Ruler of Fujairah, stressed the importance of the completion of the excavation of the tunnels, and highlighted the vital role the National Rail Network will play in sustaining the position of the United Arab Emirates as a global and regional transport, shipping and logistics hub.
The network will also support the development of the transport and logistics system, which will enhance the UAE’s journey for the next fifty years, he added.
The completion of the excavation of the nine tunnels recorded one million working hours. The project was supervised and carried out by more than 600 experts, specialists, and workers using the latest tunnelling machinery and modern technologies.
In this regard, Etihad Rail took a series of precautionary measures to limit the noise and vibrations caused by excavation using the explosive blasting methods and their impact on nearby communities, using innovative machinery and equipment that helped overcome these challenges effectively.
Etihad Rail recently announced the completion of the construction works for Package A of Stage Two of the UAE National Rail Network, which extends over 139 km and connects Ghuwaifat with Stage One of the projects, which extends over 264 km from Habshan to Ruwais. The development of the UAE National Rail Network is proceeding according to schedule. It will play a significant role in providing a modern, sustainable network that bolsters the leading regional position of the UAE.
His Highness and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, visited the Sakamkam area in Fujairah, with the presence of His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Etihad Rail, to mark the completion of excavation works of all the nine tunnels, which extend over 6.9 kilometres.