SAUDI ARABIA: Saudi Arabia Railways has invited expressions of interest in the supply of 20 high speed trainsets to support the operational expansion and strategic development of the Haramain High Speed Railway, in line with the country’s Vision 2030 national objectives.
The 453 km electrified high line connects Makkah and Madinah via Jeddah and King Abdullah Economic City, and is currently worked by a fleet of Talgo 350 trainsets running at up to 300 km/h. Commercial services began in October 2018, and the 20 millionth passenger was carried in November 2024.
Services are operated by Spanish national train operator RENFE on behalf of the Saudi government. A special timetable is operated to meet the needs of both residents and large numbers of pilgrims during the Ramadan period. During the March to April 2024 Ramadan the number of services was increased from 66 to 91 trains per day, including night services after the breaking of the fast, offering 1·1 million seats in total.
- SAR’s business strategy running to 2035 includes an 8 000 km expansion of the network, becoming financially self-sustaining and partnering with leading technology suppliers, CEO Dr Bashar bin Khalid Al Malik told Railway Gazette International at InnoTrans 2024.
