Kodagu Native Riyaz Nazir Chosen as Loco Pilot for UAE Etihad Rail Launch

Riyaz Nazir, a native of Madapura village in Karnataka’s Kodagu district, has been appointed as the loco pilot for the inaugural passenger service of the UAE’s Etihad Rail. His selection for the historic journey has brought pride to his hometown and attracted attention across the region.

The launch of the Etihad Rail passenger network is being seen as a significant milestone in the UAE’s transport sector. Recognizing the importance of the occasion, authorities entrusted Riyaz with operating the first passenger train, highlighting their confidence in his experience and professional expertise.

This is not the first time Riyaz has been chosen for a prestigious railway assignment. Earlier, he played a key role during the launch of the Qatar Metro and Qatar Tram projects, where he served as the first captain for their inaugural operations. His growing list of achievements reflects years of dedication in the international rail industry.

Sharing his journey, Riyaz recalled his humble childhood and said there was a time when he did not even have a bicycle. Today, being selected to pilot the first journey of such an important railway service is a proud and emotional moment for him. He described the opportunity as a dream fulfilled through determination and hard work.