Etihad Rail Unveils First Batch of Its High-Tech Locomotives and Wagons

Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the national railway network in the UAE, announced the arrival of its first shipment of locomotives and railcars.

Etihad Rail said it is working to increase the batch of heavy freight trains to 45 units, about six times the current number. The trains are being manufactured by Progress Rail, a Caterpillar company of America and one of the world's largest manufacturers of diesel and electric locomotives.

Etihad Rail intends to deploy 1,000 multi-purpose wagons, three times the current fleet. The wagons are manufactured by China's CRRC Group.

Etihad Rail's new fleet has been designed to suit the geographical and climatic conditions of the region, such as high temperatures, floods and deserts.

The new diesel- and electric-powered locomotives have 4,600 horsepower. They use technologies aimed at reducing emissions, while on-board technologies and systems, such as the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2, high-tech signalling system, increase safety, reliability and efficiency.

Each locomotive can pull 100 wagons, which is equivalent to the capacity of 300 trucks. The volume of freight carried by these trains is equivalent to 5,600 daily truck trips.