Union Railway Company, the developer and operator of the national railway network in the United Arab Emirates, announced the completion of the excavation of the longest tunnel on the Union train route in the Arabian Gulf, measuring 1.8 kilometers. This achievement is part of package (D) of phase two, which runs through the Hajar Mountains towards the Emirate of Fujairah, extending over a distance of 145 kilometers from Dubai to Sharjah, passing through Fujairah and reaching Ras Al Khaimah. The project includes the construction of 9 tunnels through the mountains totaling 6.9 kilometers, 54 bridges, and 20 wildlife crossings.
This accomplishment marks an important stage in the project during 2021, as the network route traverses one of the most geographically challenging areas during construction, thus contributing to the timely progress of the works. The tunnel drilling operations adhered to the highest global security and safety standards to ensure the operation's safety due to the mountainous terrain surrounding the tunnel site. A total of 300,000 working hours were dedicated to the drilling operations, and over half a million tons of rock were removed during the excavation.
It is noteworthy that the progress of the UAE national railway network project is proceeding according to the planned timelines. Recently, work commenced on laying the railway tracks in the Saih Shuaib area, which serves as the launch point for the route towards both Abu Dhabi and Dubai, as part of phase two of the project that extends from Al Gwifat on the Saudi Arabian border to the Emirate of Fujairah on the eastern coast. Additionally, construction operations at the beginning of this year saw the start of laying railway tracks in the Al Dhafra area towards the Saudi Arabian border.
