N Nishad becomes first Indian to captain UAE's first passenger train. Photo: LinkedIn/Nishad
200 kmph dream: How a Kerala youth became Etihad Rail’s first Indian captain
After a decade of toiling hard, an expat from Alappuzha is set to captain UAE's first high-speed intercity passenger rail network
A decade ago, Nishad landed in the UAE as a teenager looking for work. Today, the Alappuzha native is at the controls of one of the country's most ambitious infrastructure projects, becoming the first Indian train captain for Etihad Rail's high-speed passenger service.
When Etihad Rail's much-awaited passenger network begins operations, Nishad will be among those at the controls of the high-speed trains capable of touching 200 kmph. His achievement also places him alongside Ibrahim Al Hammadi and Sara Al Mazrouei, the UAE's first national train captains, making him the first Indian to earn the distinction.
Early days
Nishad moved to Dubai in 2014, soon after completing Class 12, determined to build a career through real-life experience rather than pursue a conventional college education. Like many, he too accepted whatever work came his way. He worked as a cashier, sold perfumes, prepared hot dog sandwiches and handled delivery jobs to support himself while adapting to life in a new country.
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His breakthrough came in 2017 when he entered the railway sector with the Palm Jumeirah Monorail. The opportunity opened the door to a career in rail transport, and he steadily gained experience with the Dubai Tram and Dubai Metro before joining Zayed International Airport, Abu Dhabi.
Nishad first applied for a position at Etihad Rail in 2020, but a simple error in his email address prevented his application from progressing. Rather than giving up, he reapplied in 2022, successfully cleared the recruitment process and intensive assessments, and secured the coveted position.
Etihad Rail
Etihad Rail's passenger service is the UAE's first high-speed intercity rail network, designed to connect 11 cities across the country at speeds of up to 200 kmph. Developed in partnership with Spain's Renfe, the service entered its introductory phase on June 30, 2026, offering a faster and more sustainable alternative to road travel between the emirates.
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Each train can accommodate up to 400 passengers and is equipped with modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi, infotainment screens, charging ports, climate control, luggage space, and onboard food and beverage services. Passengers can book tickets through the official Etihad Rail mobile app or the company's online booking portal.
The project is also a key component of the UAE's Net Zero 2050 strategy, aimed at promoting sustainable transportation. According to Etihad Rail, a single train journey can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80 per cent compared with travelling the same distance by car.
Nishad’s family
Nishad's success is also a proud moment for his family. His father is a retired Army serviceman, while his elder brother, Rinshad, is also part of Etihad Rail as a freight train loco pilot. The brothers now serve the same railway network in different roles.
Nishad is married to Hiba Gafoor, and the couple has a young son, Khalifa Zayed, whose name reflects the family's gratitude to the country that transformed their lives. He also has a sister, Nasli.