Saudi Arabia is revitalizing its transport infrastructure by positioning railways and urban transit as strategic drivers of economic growth under Vision 2030, rather than standalone assets. Through coordinated investments in intercity rail, freight networks, and urban metro systems—led by Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) and local authorities—the kingdom aims to enhance logistics efficiency, improve quality of life, reduce congestion, and better integrate transport with airports, industrial zones, and population centers, supporting trade, tourism, labor mobility, and long-term competitiveness, Invest-Gate reports.
Riyadh–Jeddah Land Bridge to Be Delivered in Phases
Saudi Arabia is advancing a new phase of rail and urban transport development under Vision 2030, positioning infrastructure as a strategic economic lever. At the heart of this transformation is the Riyadh–Jeddah Land Bridge, designed to link the capital with the Red Sea via a high-capacity corridor. SAR CEO Bashar bin Khalid Al-Malik confirmed the project will be delivered in phases, with completion expected before 2034. A previously linked Chinese consortium was dropped for failing to meet local content requirements, highlighting SAR’s focus on localization and national standards.
Freight Realignment and Community Considerations
SAR has implemented operational adjustments to reduce social impact, including relocating freight operations away from Hofuf to improve residents’ quality of life. Al Jouf station’s distance from Sakaka reflects the network’s original mining-focused design, with passenger services added later.
Expanding Capacity on the Northern Network
To meet rising demand, SAR issued a tender for 10 new passenger trains on the Northern Network, covering design, manufacturing, supply, and maintenance, with bids due by May 11, 2026. Once operational, the network’s capacity will nearly triple to over 2.4 million seats annually across 2,700 km, connecting Riyadh with Al Majmaah, Qassim, Hail, Al Jouf, and Al Qurayyat. This follows the ongoing fleet expansion on the Eastern Line.
High-Speed Regional Connectivity and Airport Integration
Saudi Arabia is also pursuing regional high-speed rail, including the Riyadh–Doha line. This 785 km corridor, reaching speeds of up to 300 km/h, will link King Salman International Airport with Hamad International Airport in Doha, integrating air and rail networks and boosting economic ties.
Workforce Development and Operational Scale
SAR manages major seasonal operations, including the Mashaaer Train during Hajj, staffed entirely by Saudis. The system carries around 3,000 passengers per trip. Al-Malik highlighted growing female participation in rail operations, particularly on the Haramain High-Speed Railway, supported by training programs exceeding expectations.
Jeddah Metro Revival Signals Urban Transport Push
Authorities have revived the Jeddah Metro, issuing a preliminary consultancy tender for the 35 km Blue Line linking King Abdulaziz International Airport with the Haramain High-Speed Railway station across 15 stations. Led by the Jeddah Development Authority, the project integrates urban transit with national rail and air networks.
A Project Reawakened After Years of Review
Originally planned in the early 2010s, the Jeddah Metro paused following spending reviews and oil price declines. Early designs envisioned a four-line network over 161 km with 81 stations. The metro’s revival, combined with rail fleet expansion and phased delivery of key corridors, reflects a strategic shift toward integrated transport planning that enhances economic growth, urban livability, and logistics efficiency.