RAK studies rail line to ferry rocks from local quarries

The Ras Al Khaimah Government is studying possibilities of setting up a railway system to transport rocks and landfill aggregate from local quarries to neighbouring emirates. Also under consideration is laying an alternative road to ferry the rocks.

The aim is to cut dust pollution and protect the existing road infrastructure, currently under threat by the heavy vehicles.

The trucks currently carrying rocks will eventually be banned from plying the emirate's roads. The government says the sector will not be badly affected once the decision comes into effect because of the alternative arrangements being made.

A Dubai-based company has been assigned to conduct a Dh200,000 feasibility study to set up a railway network to ferry rocks to three destinations.

The trains are envisaged to carry rocks from Ras Al Khaimah to Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Huge quantities of rocks produced by local quarries are sent to these emirates.

The second option is building a new road starting from Al Jazera Al Hamra to Wadi Al Tawayan. Heavy vehicles will not have to pass through the different areas of the emirate to access the Ras Al Khaimah-Dubai highway.

Joint municipality and the Traffic and Licensing Department assessment teams have visited the site. They will submit a report on the road plan. Private and light cars will not be allowed to ply the road once constructed.

When the feasibility study of the railway network and the report on the road are ready, the project will be referred to Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ras Al Khaimah Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler, for a decision.

The authorities earlier filed a report on the threats heavy vehicles cause to the infrastructure and the people and submitted it to the government.

A senior Traffic and Licencing Department officer said heavy vehicles do not adhere to safety rules and have ruined streets since rocks often fall off from vehicles, endangering lives.

Feasibility study to open rail network
* Ras Al Khaimah Government bans heavy vehicles loaded with rocks on the roads.

* A Dubai-based company will conduct a feasibility study to set up a railway network to ferry rocks to Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

* A second option of building a new road from Al Jazera Al Hamra to Wadi Al Tawayan is being considered.

* The decision follows reports about threat that heavy vehicles pose to the infrastructure and the people.