News

Hafeet Rail Secures Contracts for Locomotives and Consultancy Support

The Hafeet Rail reached a significant milestone with the successful reduction of its total cost from USD 3 billion to USD 2.5 billion. Financing for the development was secured through a consortium of local and regional banks, including both conventional and Islamic tranches in UAE dirham and Omani riyal. This achievement sets the stage for the upcoming phases of development, as the railway progresses toward the construction and implementation stages.

As per latest update, Systra will provide administrative and engineering consultancy services for the joint network. Their full scope of work includes contract management, overseeing contractor and supplier performance to ensure compliance with all requirements and standards, and offering essential technical support for managing health, environmental, safety, and security standards. Additionally, Systra will manage and monitor the project schedule, review engineering designs, and supervise project execution, testing, and commissioning up to the start of operations. Progress Rail will supply 27 state-of-the-art EMD SD70ACS heavy-haul freight locomotives for the project.

Hafeet Rail will span 238 kilometers, connecting Sohar Port in Oman to Abu Dhabi, with 163 kilometers running through Oman. The development will feature two tunnels, each 2.5 kilometers long, and 60 bridges, some reaching heights of 34 meters. Passenger stations will be located in Sohar and Al Ain, with freight stations in Sohar, Buraimi, and Al Ain. In addition to the main railway infrastructure, the facilities in Al Buraimi and Sohar will include rail yards, customs offices, maintenance workshops, and administrative buildings. The design also integrates key logistical hubs to support both passenger and freight operations efficiently.

The civil works are divided into three main packages. The first package focuses on integrating with the existing Etihad Railway network at Al-Wathbah junction, featuring culverts, wadi crossings, utility diversions, and around 140 kilometers of rail trackwork. The second package, within Oman, includes tunnels, road diversions, and around 70 kilometers of rail trackwork, as well as a marshaling yard and a passenger station in Sohar. The third package addresses viaduct construction, road diversions, and the remaining rail trackwork required to complete the route.

Hafeet Rail is designed to support sustainable transportation, significantly reducing carbon emissions by offering a greener alternative to traditional transport. The freight trains will reduce emissions by a factor of 10 compared to road transport, contributing to environmental preservation. Moreover, the ability to transport large volumes of cargo and passengers efficiently will help decrease road traffic, lowering overall pollution and supporting the region’s goals for sustainable growth.

For more information please visit: https://www.bncnetwork.net/