SAR Seeks Partners to Expand and Modernize North-South Passenger Fleet

Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) announces plans to procure 15 new high-speed train sets and upgrade its existing fleet on the North-South line in major investment set to meet growing passenger demand and enhance service quality.

September 27, 2024

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, September 27, 2024: Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) has released an Expression of Interest to expand and modernize its North-South passenger rail fleet. This move comes in response to the growing demand for efficient transportation solutions and aligns with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 goals for economic diversification and improved infrastructure.

*SAR seeks to build on its prior expansion with a second generation of passenger trains*

The centerpiece of this announcement is the procurement of 15 new train sets, each comprising two power cars and five coaches, as well eight further power cars in reserve, designed to operate at speeds of up to 200 km/h. These new trains will be accompanied by a mandatory 10-year maintenance package, ensuring their long-term reliability and performance

Environmental adaptability is a key focus of this initiative, with the new trains designed to withstand Saudi Arabia's challenging climate conditions. Passenger comfort and modern amenities have not been overlooked, as the new fleet must feature Wi-Fi connectivity and advanced passenger information systems.

Khaled Alharbi, Senior Vice President of the Passenger Business Unit, stated, "This initiative represents a significant step forward in our mission to provide world-class rail transportation for the people of Saudi Arabia. By expanding our fleet and upgrading our existing assets, we are not only increasing capacity but also enhancing the overall passenger experience."

The procurement process is set to begin immediately, with SAR inviting expressions of interest from global rail manufacturers. The company has outlined a comprehensive tender process, which will include supplier engagement sessions and a rigorous evaluation phase to ensure the best possible outcome for Saudi Arabia's rail network.

This expansion is expected to support the projected growth in passenger numbers, with SAR anticipating 2.5 million passengers per year by 2030 on the North-South line. This significant increase in capacity underscores the importance of this initiative in supporting Saudi Arabia's growing transportation needs.

Qualified manufacturers interested in participating in this transformative project are encouraged to contact SAR's procurement department for more information about the initiative or to express interest in the tender process.

Press release and image material for download:

The image material is freely available for editorial use. Please note the source: Saudi Arabia Railways.