UAE: Sharjah to build passenger train station linked to national Etihad Rail network
Sheikh Sultan attends announcement ceremony for station planned near University City
Sharjah: A train station will be built near University City in Sharjah, which will be linked to the Etihad Rail national railway network, it was announced on Wednesday.
His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, attended a signing ceremony at Dr Sultan Al Qasimi Centre to announce the upcoming station and its planned link to Etihad Rail. Also attending the ceremony was Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Etihad Rail, and a number of senior officials.
The move aims to improve passenger transport, especially benefiting university students across the emirates. To be located near the University City, the station will also facilitate convenient access to key landmarks and residential areas within Sharjah, enhancing the connectivity for commuters.
It is anticipated that the number of passengers on the Etihad Train will rise to around 14,000 per day on weekdays.
The UAE's national railway network is being developed and extends over 900km. Shortly, railway passenger transport services will link 11 cities and regions across the country from Al Sila to Fujairah, including Al Ruwais, Al Mirfa, Fujairah, Sharjah, Al Dhaid, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai.
Wednesday's announcement is part of the strategy to implement the UAE’s National Railways Network, which is developed and operated by Etihad Rail. The goal is to improve passenger train services, and link cities, and residential areas in the country with a secure, reliable, and effective network.
The announcement event featured the signing of a design-build agreement to connect the network track to the passenger station in Sharjah. Shadi Malak, the CEO of Etihad Rail, and Naji Al Harthi, the Chairman of Tristar Engineering and Construction Company, signed the agreement.
Commenting on this, Sheikh Theyab said: “The company plays a key role in developing and operating the UAE National Rail Network. Currently, efforts are focused on connecting the main track of the network to the passenger station in the emirate of Sharjah. This step enhances the connection between residential communities in the Emirates and makes it easier for passengers to move among the stations in the network, especially as Sharjah is strategically located, connecting Dubai with the other northern Emirates, and hosting vital centres and landmarks.”
The UAE's national railway network is being developed and extends over 900km. Shortly, railway passenger transport services will link 11 cities and regions across the country from Al Sila to Fujairah, including Al Ruwais, Al Mirfa, Fujairah, Sharjah, Al Dhaid, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai.