A 29-year-old Malayali from Alappuzha, Nishad, has become the first Indian train captain for the UAE’s Etihad Rail passenger service. He will operate the country’s new passenger trains connecting Fujairah and Abu Dhabi as the network begins commercial operations.
Nishad’s journey is one of determination. After arriving in the UAE around 12 years ago, he worked as a cashier, perfume salesman, sandwich maker and delivery executive before entering the rail industry in 2017 through the Palm Jumeirah Monorail. He later became an instructor with Dubai Tram and Dubai Metro.
Although he initially missed an opportunity to join Etihad Rail because of an email error, Nishad persisted. After clearing multiple tests and interviews, he joined the project in 2024 and has now earned the distinction of becoming the first Indian captain for the passenger service.
Etihad Rail’s passenger network is expected to connect major emirates in phases, with trains capable of speeds of up to 200 km/h and a target of carrying around 10 million passengers annually once fully operational.
