Saudi Arabia expedites rail expansion to connect different parts of the country
Saudi Arabia is accelerating its ambitious railway expansion as part of its Vision 2030 strategy, with plans to grow its national rail network from 5,300 km to over 8,000 km. The multi-billion-dollar initiative aims to spur economic growth, enhance logistics, and position the kingdom as a leading regional transport hub.
Central to this effort is the $7 billion Landbridge Project, a 1,500-km railway corridor linking Jeddah on the Red Sea to Dammam on the Arabian Gulf via Riyadh. Once operational, it will cut travel time between Jeddah and Riyadh from 12 hours to under four. The project includes a new 900-km rail line, upgrades to the existing Riyadh–Dammam route, and the development of seven logistics hubs to streamline freight distribution nationwide.
Read
More Saudi
Arabia opens bidding for Qiddiya high-speed rail project
Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) has already awarded key contracts, and design work is progressing steadily. The Landbridge will also connect critical infrastructure points such as King Abdullah Port and industrial centers like Yanbu, creating a vital east-west freight corridor.
In tandem with freight expansion, SAR is modernizing its passenger services. This includes the addition of 15 high-speed trainsets designed for speeds up to 200 km/h and built to withstand the kingdom’s harsh climate. Among the upcoming highlights is the “Dream of the Desert”, a luxury train set to launch by the end of 2025. The 800-mile scenic route will run from Riyadh to Al Qurayyat, passing through nature reserves and cultural heritage sites.
The broader modernization strategy features hydrogen-powered trains, smart signaling technologies, and enhanced digital safety systems. With more than 2.6 million passengers traveling between cities by rail in Q2 2025 alone, rail travel is quickly becoming the preferred option for many Saudis.
Read
More AlUla
light rail to transform tourism and connectivity in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is also playing a key role in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Railway initiative, aimed at linking all six Gulf nations. The recent approval of a cross-border rail link with Qatar marks a significant step toward greater regional integration and seamless freight connectivity across the Arabian Peninsula.
By 2030, Saudi Arabia aims to establish a modern, sustainable, and high-speed rail network that links its ports, cities, and neighboring countries — reinforcing its strategic goal of becoming a logistics and transportation powerhouse in the Middle East.
Source: https://www.daijiworld.com/
0 Comments