Tunnelling work begins on Oman UAE rail network
Hafeet Rail, the developer and operator of the joint Oman-UAE railway network project, has announced the start of tunnelling works in the Hajar Mountains in Al Buraimi Governorate, marking a major milestone in one of the project’s most significant phases.
The company added that it has achieved a series of key steps in implementing this strategic cross-border project, confirming that work is progressing steadily and according to schedule, with detailed design works now completed.
Access roads leading to the tunnel entrances have been constructed to allow the movement of heavy equipment and construction materials, while excavation and blasting works continue at the entrances in preparation for the full tunnelling phase.
Once the civil works for the tunnels are completed, the next stages will include track formation, rail laying, and the installation of railway systems within the tunnels.
These works are being carried out in line with the highest standards of safety, sustainability, and environmental protection. Advanced engineering techniques and monitoring systems are being used to ensure structural integrity and safeguard nearby communities while minimising the project’s environmental impact.
Hafeet Rail has also received the first shipment of railway tracks through Sohar Port — a major milestone reflecting steady progress towards the rail installation phase. In parallel, construction continues across other areas, including excavation, backfilling, and infrastructure development, with the implementation of 881 culverts and 57 bridges, some reaching up to 34 metres in height.
With this progress in tunnelling works, these achievements represent a pivotal step bringing the joint Oman-UAE railway network project closer to becoming one of the key enablers of regional connectivity, boosting cross-border trade, and supporting the path towards sustainable economic growth.
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