Saudi Arabia to expand rail network to over 8,000 km as part of Saudi Vision 2030

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Urban Transport News): Saudi Arabia is set to transform its rail infrastructure, with plans to expand its network to over 8,000 kilometers in the coming years, further cementing its position as a global logistics hub. The announcement was made by Saleh Al Jasser, the Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of Saudi Arabian Railways (SAR), during the inaugural Saudi Rail Conference and Exhibition 2024, held in Riyadh on November 20-21. The event brought together global railway industry experts, decision-makers, and officials to discuss the future of rail development in Saudi Arabia.

Al Jasser highlighted the country’s ambitious rail expansion plans, which are integral to the broader objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. The expansion will involve the construction of thousands of kilometers of new rail lines, boosting the current network of over 5,500 kilometers.

“Under the vision and support of our wise leadership, Saudi Arabia is set to experience unprecedented growth in its rail network, expanding to over 8,000 kilometers in the coming years,” said Al Jasser in his keynote address. This expansion will not only improve the country's domestic rail connectivity but also strengthen its position as a major player in global logistics.

Key Rail Networks and Milestones

The minister also provided insights into the current state of Saudi Arabia’s rail network, focusing on key lines that are already operational. The North Network, which connects Riyadh to the Jordanian border, and the East Network, linking Riyadh to the Arabian Gulf coast, are vital components of the infrastructure that facilitate trade and transport across the region.

Among the most notable achievements in Saudi rail development is the Haramain High-Speed Railway (HHR), a state-of-the-art electric rail system that connects the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. Since its launch in 2018, the HHR has become one of the fastest rail systems in the world, serving over 20 million passengers and drastically reducing road freight traffic by eliminating over 1 million lorry trips last year alone.

Aligning with Saudi Vision 2030

These rail initiatives are in alignment with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which is a key component of Saudi Vision 2030, the country’s ambitious blueprint for economic diversification and modernization. Al Jasser praised the leadership’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the transport and logistics sectors, highlighting the strategic role of rail in achieving the nation’s long-term economic goals.

At the conference, Al Jasser also introduced the Asasat Programme, an initiative aimed at localizing Saudi Arabia’s railway industry. The program is set to play a pivotal role in driving the nation’s economic growth by fostering local expertise and increasing the contribution of Saudi companies in the rail sector.

The Asasat Programme is expected to generate investment opportunities worth SAR 15 billion by 2030, and it aims to boost local content in Saudi Arabian Railways’ (SAR) operations to 60% by 2025. Additionally, the initiative will create over 3,000 jobs in the local market, contributing to the country’s broader goals of reducing unemployment and promoting domestic industries.

Saudi Arabia’s ambitious rail expansion is a key part of the nation’s vision to modernize its infrastructure, boost economic diversification, and support regional connectivity. By investing in cutting-edge rail systems and fostering local industry growth, the country is positioning itself as a leader in the global logistics and transport sectors. With the support of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s railway network is set to become a cornerstone of its future economic success, providing efficient transport solutions for both passengers and freight.