Oman Rail, a government constituted agency for the development of railway networks in the country, recently signed an agreement with Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of UAE National Rail Network, to jointly establish an equally-owned Oman-Etihad Rail Company for the development of a railway network connecting the two countries.

The newly created entity will hold an overall investment power of US$3bn to design, develop and operate a 303km network connecting Sohar Port to the UAE National Rail Network. The much-anticipated railway will primarily link Sohar to Abu Dhabi – featuring the best international safety, security and environmental standards to provide faster and safer passenger and freight services.

Passenger trains – running at a maximum speed of 200km/h -will reduce the travel time from Sohar to Abu Dhabi to 1 hour and 40 minutes, and just 47 minutes to reach Al Ain.

Here is what Muscat Daily readers had to say on how they see the project would change the fortunes of the region:

Mohan Anandan
Banking sector employee

The proposed rail network between Sohar Port and Abu Dhabi would be a game changer with regard to trade and people movements between the two countries. Movements of commercial goods and locally made agricultural products will become faster and cheaper besides facilitating enhanced people to people movements and flow of tourists. In order to reap these benefits, the project must be given top priority and rolled out as quickly as possible.

Ruskeen S
Private sector employee

The project will bring about a major change in Oman’s infrastructure. Our authorities will help our dream come true at the earliest.

Mohammad Hinai
Businessman

The rail line will help transport food as well as other goods faster; so it will be good for everyone. This will also engage more tourists come to the country by rail and thus boost the economy as well as tourism.

Abdullah al Balushi
Government employee

This is high time for a rail system to come up in the country. Both the destinations, Sohar and Abu Dhabi, are business hubs; and a rail link will be of great help for the economy of the country. It will benefit both businessmen as well as common people.

Salim Yousuf
Salesman

Every country lays importance on transport system and rail network is one of the prime ones. It saves time and cost for everyone. It is indeed high time that the proposed network start at the earliest to yield benefits for both government and public.

Prem Chauhan
Private company employee

Rail lines anywhere in the world is an initiate that helps everyone. Sohar is a place which is business hub of Oman and with a rail line, the necessary goods will be transported to and fro easily.