(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Etihad Rail has started preparing to build the stage two of the railway project in Abu Dhabi by inviting tenders for the first three major contracts.
The invitations were issued this month to all pre-qualified companies for contracts covering the design and build of 137 kilometres new railway lines between Ruwais and Ghweifat, and 190 kilometres long railway between Liwa Junction and Al Ain, as well as for the railway integration and systems contract covering signalling, communications and commissioning for the stage two network.
Stage two represents a significant component of the national rail network, in both scale and scope, as it will further connect industrial and urban areas, and will see the railway connect with the planned GCC network-linking with Saudi Arabia at Ghweifat and Oman at Al Ain.
Construction of stage two is scheduled to begin early next year, following the award of tendered contracts.
The tendering of the first contracts for stage two follows the commencement earlier this year of construction works near Mirfa in the Western Region for stage one of the network.
Stage one of the network is being developed in partnership with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, or Adnoc, who will adopt rail as the main means for transporting granulated sulphur from Shah and Habshan to the port of Ruwais for export.
The railway network will be built in phases to link the principal centres of population and industry of the UAE, as well as to form a vital part of the planned GCC railway network linking the six countries of the GCC.
Etihad Rail's state-of-the-art network will act as a catalyst for economic growth and sustained social development.
Once complete, the railway will redefine logistics and transport in the region, providing a modern, safe, efficient, sustainable network that will connect all regions of the UAE, and the UAE to its wider GCC neighbouring countries. Etihad Rail has recently announced a number of contract awards for stage one of the rail network: the civil and track works contract was awarded to a consortium comprising Italy's Saipem, Tecnimont and UAE-based Dodsal Engineering and Construction. The Project Management Consultant (PMC) contract was awarded to joint venture Parsons-Aecom.
PCM Strescon Ventures got the contract for the provision of railway sleepers. The Indian company will be responsible for the provision of railway sleepers in a purpose-built sleeper manufacturing facility at our rail head. Electro-Motive Diesel, from North America, was assigned to deliver seven locomotives custom-built for desert conditions by 2012. CSR Corporation Limited China was appointed to supply 240 covered hopper wagons for the movement of granulated sulphur in the Western Region.
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