The UAE, which turned an empty, barren desert into bustling metropolises has now turned its focus to building railway tracks to connect the entire country.
The project, which has been long overdue, is announced at a time when the UAE has set sights on the next 50 years of progress after concluding the Golden Jubilee celebrations in a befitting manner.
Etihad Rail, which was previously meant for freight movement, is now expanded to include passenger services by 2030. Once complete, one can travel from Abu Dhabi to Dubai in 50 minutes flat and to Fujairah in 100 minutes. Powered by electricity generated from non-fossil fuel sources, the rail system will take thousands of cars and lorries off the roads.
Apart from de-clogging the congested highways, it is expected to offset carbon emissions in a big way, thereby helping the UAE to achieve the avowed objective of becoming carbon-neutral by 2050. Faster movement of goods and people across the length and breadth of the country is the key to the integration of economy and lays strong foundations for a prosperous and self-sustaining economy.
Source: Khaleej Times