In numbers: Etihad Rail's new freight route

The network has a fleet of 38 locomotives and more than 1,000 wagons

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  Etihad Rail's freight network is now operational. It can transport 60 million tonnes of goods a year. All photos: Etihad Rail

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  The new freight service has 38 locomotives

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  The freight trains will run up to 120kph, with each locomotive operating at 4,500 horsepower

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  The locomotives pull a total of 1,000 wagons, transporting goods ranging from shipping containers to industrial material

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  The tracks cross the UAE and feature 593 bridges

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  The network will contribute Dh200 billion ($54.4 billion) to the UAE economy and save Dh8 billion in road maintenance costs

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  The project also aims to reduce carbon emissions from the road transport sector by 21 per cent by 2050, boosting the country's efforts to become net zero

The Etihad Rail project has taken a step forward after Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, announced the freight part of the 1,200km, UAE-wide network is operational.

Across the network, trains will traverse 593 bridges and nine tunnels that will make up a distance of 6.5km when complete.

While a freight service linking gasfields in Shah and Habshan to Ruwais opened in 2016, the new freight route will connect four major ports and seven logistics centres across the country.

The new freight service will feature 38 locomotives (engines) and more than 1,000 wagons capable of transporting all types of goods from shipping containers to industrial goods, the state news agency Wam reported.

The freight trains will run up to 120kph and each locomotive operates with a power of 4,500 horsepower - equivalent to 3,400 kilowatts - and has been designed to withstand the geographical nature, climatic conditions and high temperatures in the region.

The network will contribute to supporting the UAE economy to a value of Dh200 billion and save Dh8 billion in road maintenance costs. The network’s tourism benefits are estimated at Dh23 billion.

The project also aims to reduce carbon emissions in the road transport sector by 21 per cent by 2050, boosting the country's efforts to become net zero - not adding to the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere - by that year.

Etihad Rail has also announced a passenger service that will link the country's major urban centres. A date for the launch of this service has not been announced yet.

The Etihad Rail line will span approximately 1,200 kilometres, linking 11 cities across the UAE, from the border with Saudi Arabia to Fujairah in the north.

The passenger trains will travel at speeds of up to 200kph, linking 11 cities and areas. Each train will carry about 400 people.

Carriages will be equipped with amenities such as Wi-Fi, entertainment systems, charging points and food and beverages.

There will also be different seating areas, including first class, business class and economy.

Customers can expect a travel time of 50 minutes between Abu Dhabi and Dubai and about 100 minutes from Abu Dhabi to Fujairah, cutting commutes significantly.

Once operational, the service is expected to carry more than 36 million people annually by 2030.

The 303km UAE to Oman passenger and freight route, part of the UAE-Oman railway network, aims to bolster trade and tourism opportunities between the Gulf neighbours and the rest of the region.

The passenger service will reduce journey times between Abu Dhabi and Sohar, to the north of Muscat, to 100 minutes, and trips from Sohar to Al Ain to 47 minutes.

It is not yet clear when the Oman project will be completed.

Etihad Rail previews new passenger rail service – in pictures

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  A rendering of a train to be used on the UAE’s new passenger rail service. All Photos: Etihad Rail

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  Passenger cabins are spacious, allowing people to travel in comfort.

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  The commercial benefits of moving cargo meant the initial focus was on freight.

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  Now the focus has turned to the passenger network.

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  The service will offer a reliable, safe, efficient, comfortable and environmentally friendly way to travel across the region.

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  Etihad Rail is working closely with the Federal Transport Authority and transport authorities throughout the country to develop existing networks to improve passenger connections.

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  Eventually, population centres across the UAE will be connected to neighbouring GCC countries.

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  Passenger carriages will feature sleek, well-equipped cabins.

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  Work on Etihad Rail began in 2009.

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  Greenhouse gases will be slashed by more than 2.2 million tonnes a year once the network is fully operational.

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  The new passenger rail service is expected to significantly reduce road congestion and the number of traffic accidents.