Saudi Arabia Railways orders ten additional Stadler trains for intercity network

Saudi Arabia Railways has ordered ten additional tailor-made intercity trainsets from Swiss manufacturer Stadler. RailTech reported that the firm contract was announced on October 9. Arabian Business reported that the deal doubles the fleet order to 20 trainsets in a deal valued at 359 million dollars. [1][12]

The new passenger trainsets are designated for use on the East-West line connecting the capital city of Riyadh with the eastern city of Dammam. RailTech reported that this purchase was executed as an option from an initial contract for ten trainsets signed in February that was valued at 600 million Swiss francs. [1]

The rail line between Dammam and Riyadh was officially opened in October 1951 to link the Eastern Province to the capital city. Arabian Business reported that the expanded fleet launch is targeted for 2029. [12][13]

The expansion of rail service comes as international authorities raise safety concerns regarding transportation in the region. The United Kingdom Foreign Office recently updated its travel warnings to advise against all but essential travel to the cities of Jeddah and Dammam, as well as most Saudi Arabian airports. [3]