RITES Ltd. and Etihad Rail Forge Strategic Partnership for UAE's Rail Future

RITES Ltd. has inked a Memorandum of Understanding with Etihad Rail to develop railway infrastructure in the UAE. The agreement will explore opportunities for rolling stock supply, project management, and IT solutions. The partnership aims to improve efficiency, logistics, and connectivity, while fostering regional expertise and skills through training programs.

RITES Ltd., a Public Sector Undertaking specializing in transport infrastructure consultancy, announced a strategic partnership with Etihad Rail, developer and operator of the UAE National Rail Network. This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), disclosed to the exchange on Wednesday, aims to explore synergies in the development of railways and related infrastructure across the UAE and regional territories.

The MoU was officially signed by Shadi Malak, CEO of Etihad Rail, and Rahul Mithal, Chairman and Managing Director of RITES Ltd., at the Global Rail Transport Infrastructure Exhibition & Conference in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. This collaboration aims to merge the expertise of both entities for opportunities in crucial sectors like rolling stock supply or leasing, project management, and consultancy for railway ventures.

Beyond these, the partnership expands into services such as rolling stock repairs and the operation and maintenance of railway infrastructure. Central to their initiative is the capacity analysis of rail corridors in the UAE and neighboring regions, intended to boost efficiency, streamline logistics, and enhance trade routes.

Additionally, both enterprises will introduce cutting-edge IT solutions for train operations and passenger management, while offering technical guidance for maintaining railway infrastructures. Rahul Mithal, Chairman and MD, RITES Ltd., remarked, "This strategic collaboration with Etihad Rail highlights our dedication to innovation and operational excellence. It significantly advances our 'RITES Videsh' initiative aimed at global service expansion, contributing to sustainable infrastructure development."

The partnership also seeks to facilitate knowledge transfer, share expertise, and focus on workforce development. Both companies are set to implement rigorous training and employee exchange programs to enhance skillsets and expertise. Shadi Malak, CEO of Etihad Rail, emphasized, "This partnership symbolizes a pivotal move toward enhancing connectivity and revolutionizing the UAE's transportation landscape, effectively benefiting our freight and future passenger services."

As a Navratna Public Sector Enterprise, RITES Ltd. has established itself as a prominent player in transport consultancy and engineering, boasting 50 years of experience across more than 55 countries in regions including Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East.

(With inputs from agencies.)