Alternative routes longer & costlier, say motorists but excited about project

As part of the ongoing Etihad Rail project, Sharjah will temporarily close key connecting roads from July 1 to August 30. Residents who take this street, which links Mleiha Road and Sharjah Ring Road, will have to adjust for the time being. Although the closure is expected to cause short-term traffic disruptions, the initiative promises long-term benefits to the emirate's connectivity by expanding the railway network.

- Hind Aldah

Reem Alyammahi, a third-year student of American University of Sharjah, regularly takes Mleiha Road to reach the cycling path nearby. She said that now she will have to find another, longer route to reach the location, which for her is “a little frustrating because the route I already take is really easy and fast,” she said.

Originally from Fujairah, Reem takes the road, which has now been closed for the construction of the national railway project, to reach the university. While it will be inconvenient for her to take alternative routes amid the road closures, she said she is “very excited” about the Etihad Rail in general because it’s really close to her house.