July 5 - Project cargo forwarders could be on track to win lucrative contracts to move sleepers for the Gulf region's first major rail network.

Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE's national railway network, has awarded a contract to PCM Strescon Overseas Ventures Limited (PCM Strescon) for the provision of railway sleepers (ties). The Indian-based company will be responsible for the design and manufacturing of railway sleepers as well as the production of the sleeper manufacturing facility for phase one of the three phases of the railway network's construction - the 266 km route linking Shah, Habshan and Ruwais in Abu Dhabi's western region.