Etihad Rail has contacted bidders to confirm that the tendering process for Stage Two of the network has been put on hold.
In a statement, the authority it had suspended the tender while it reviews the “timing and delivery of this phase of the project”.
The next phase of the project will extend the network to Mussafah and the ports of Khalifa and Jebel Ali, as well as to the Saudi and Omani borders.
Etihad Rail said the delay to Stage 2 would not affect operation on Stage 1 between Habshan, Shah, Mirfa and Ruwais.
In December, Deutsche Bahn subsidiary Etihad Rail DB received approval to begin freight services from Shah and Habshan to the port of Ruwais.
