Muscat: The meeting of the Board of Directors of Oman and Etihad Rail, the developers and operators of the railway network linking the Sultanate of Oman and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was held in Muscat. The meeting had the agenda to discuss and review the railway network project, which will link the Sohar port with the national railway network of the United Arab Emirates.
Some highlighted points of the meeting were the innovative engineering solutions employed to tackle diverse terrains along the route. Creative and innovative techniques can lead to a 25 per cent reduction in tunnel works and a 50 per cent reduction in bridge construction.
The project includes 2.5-kilometre-long tunnels and bridges to reach a height of 34 meters. To implement these strategies, specialised hydrological solutions have been included to address diverse weather conditions along the network.
The board, in the meeitng, further reviewed the progress and status of different tenders for all project packages, encompassing civil works, systems, locomotives, and trailers. Role of local companies and their cooperation with world-renowned global companies specialised in these fields, as well as the importance of driving local added value across all aspects of the project also discussed .
The board recognised the advancements in tender processes for different project segments and appreciated the strong partnerships established, both domestically and globally. The importance of localisation in stimulating economic contributions was accentuated, alongside the efficient and active cooperation between parties in the UAE and Oman, as demonstrated by the rapid issuance of permits and certificates.
The meeting further examined the company’s collaborative strategies with various firms in the UAE and Oman to raise integrated logistics solutions for project. These efforts aim to connect the railway network with ports, maritime and land shipping, and logistics services, including warehousing and distribution, to fulfil the evolving demands of customers.
At the meeting, plans required for the integration of logistics solutions, linking train networks, ports, freight, and services to meet customer needs were thoroughly discussed. The board stressed the project’s role in enhancing commercial activity and social cohesion by linking economic, industrial, commercial, and residential areas through a railway network. This is part of the joint efforts by both parties in various aspects of the economic and social development of respective countries.