MUSCAT: In a key milestone for the Oman–UAE Railway Network, Hafeet Rail, the developer and operator of the project, has received its first shipment of railway tracks at the General Cargo Terminal of Sohar Port and Freezone, operated by C. Steinweg Oman LLC.

The consignment includes over 3,800 E260-grade tracks, each measuring 25 metres and weighing a total of 5,700 metric tons. Manufactured at ArcelorMittal’s facility in Gijón, Spain, the rails meet the highest international standards for heavy freight and passenger operations. This shipment is the first of several, with a total supply of 33,100 metric tons scheduled for delivery.

Engineered for durability, the tracks are designed to handle axle loads of up to 32.4 tonnes, ensuring long-term reliability under the region’s geographical and environmental conditions. Advanced fastening systems—featuring high-strength clips and bolts—further reinforce stability for both freight and passenger use.

The arrival of the tracks paves the way for the next phase of on-ground construction, including track-laying along the 238-kilometre route linking Sohar Port with the UAE’s national railway network. Additional shipments are expected in the coming months to support steady progress in line with the project’s timeline.

Once complete, the Oman–UAE Railway Network will integrate supply chains, boost transport efficiency, and strengthen economic cooperation between the two nations. The project is being developed by Hafeet Rail as part of a strategic partnership between Asyad Group, Etihad Rail, and Mubadala, and is regarded as a cornerstone of regional connectivity and sustainable transport infrastructure.