130 Bridges and Complex Tunnels: Hafeet Rail Confirms 40% Completion on 238km Line

The Oman UAE railway project has reached 40% completion, Hafeet Rail has reported. The 238-kilometer line is being developed as a cross-border route for freight traffic. In addition, it is designed to support future passenger rail services between the two countries. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Hafeet Rail is a joint venture involving Etihad Rail, Oman Rail, and Mubadala Investment. It is delivering the project. Its stated aim is to create an integrated transport and logistics connection. Also, it aims to strengthen supply chain resilience. At the same time, it aims to deepen economic links between the two countries.

Oman UAE railway project and its route

Construction is progressing at several strategic points on the corridor, according to Hafeet Rail. These include Al Ain, Al Buraimi, Sohar, and Wadi Al Jizzi.

The route crosses urban districts and industrial areas. Also, it passes through difficult terrain that includes mountains and deep valleys. Because of this, the project requires complex engineering works. These include extensive excavation, major bridge and tunnel construction, and integrated flood protection systems.

Earthworks, bridges, and tunnel construction

Figures released by Hafeet Rail, as reported by RailwayPro, show the scale of the work. They cover work already completed and work still under way. Also, the company has described progress on tunnel construction as one of the project’s key milestones.

The reported progress includes:

more than 27 million cubic meters of earthworks completed;

over 100,000 cubic meters of concrete works;

80 structures at different stages of construction;

900 bored piles;

130 precast bridges.

Connections to ports and logistics hubs

Meanwhile, work is continuing at important facilities in Sohar and Al Buraimi. These sites are expected to help link ports, industrial zones, and logistics hubs to the network.

The main objective is to create a corridor for efficient cross-border freight movement. That corridor would support movement within an integrated regional transport system.

Signaling systems and future passenger services

Hafeet Rail says the signaling systems will meet the highest international standards. The same applies to control and communications systems. According to the company, the systems are intended to ensure safety and interoperability. This applies to the rail networks in Oman and the United Arab Emirates.

The company also states that these technologies will allow shorter intervals between trains. In addition, they are expected to increase operational capacity and automation. This applies under all operating and weather conditions.

The project is currently presented mainly as a freight and logistics initiative. Still, Hafeet Rail says the railway will create the basis for future passenger services.

Those services would support tourism and business mobility. Also, they would support social ties between Oman and the United Arab Emirates. Hafeet Rail says this aligns with the development goals of both countries.

Hafeet Rail states that the railway should contribute to economic diversification. It should also support the transport and logistics sector. The company also presents it as a way to reduce dependence on conventional road transport.

In addition, Hafeet Rail links the scheme to emissions reduction. It also links it to stronger regional integration between Oman and the United Arab Emirates.

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