Saudi Railways, Stadler sign agreement for supply of ten next generation passenger trains

Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) signed an agreement with Swiss train maker Stadler for the supply and maintenance of 10 next generation passenger trains, state news agency SPA reported yesterday, citing a joint statement. The total contract, which is valued at CHF 600 mn (SAR 2.6 bn), could also see Saudi Railways buy another 10 trains.

The main goal? Upping capacity: The new trains will help double the annual passengers capacity for eastern trains to more than 3.8 mn passengers. It will also help operate direct trips from Riyadh to Dammam to meet growing demand. The low-emissions train will enter into service starting 2027, according to the statement.

SAR’s been making strides lately: Last month, SAR sealed a SAR 200 mn agreement with Italy’s Arsenale Group to launch the Italian-manufactured Dream of the Desert train next year. The Dream of the Desert train — the first of its kind in MENA — will consist of 40 luxury cabins with a maximum capacity of 80 passengers. It will travel across a 770-mile route starting from the North Train Station in Riyadh and passing through Hail with its final stop in the northern city of Al Qurayyat near the border with Jordan.