RIYADH — Saudi Arabia’s nationwide rail operator has signed an settlement to buy 20 new high-speed trains from Spain’s Talgo to increase the Haramain Excessive-Pace Railway fleet and enhance passenger capability to greater than 30 million vacationers yearly.
The deal was introduced on Sunday by Saudi Arabian Railways (SAR) beneath the patronage of Minister of Transport and Logistics Companies Saleh Al-Jasser, who can also be chairman of SAR, and within the presence of Spain’s Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility Oscar Puente.
The brand new trains are scheduled to start supply on the finish of 2028, with full supply anticipated by 2031.
As soon as operational, the trains will serve the complete Haramain Excessive-Pace Railway community, which connects Makkah and Madinah by way of 5 stations.
Al-Jasser expressed appreciation to Saudi management for its continued help of the transport and logistics sector, noting that the growth aligns with the Nationwide Transport and Logistics Technique and strengthens the Kingdom’s place as a worldwide logistics hub.
He mentioned the Haramain Excessive-Pace Railway, inaugurated in 2018 by King Salman bin Abdulaziz, is without doubt one of the Kingdom’s most strategic transport initiatives, straight linked to serving the Two Holy Mosques.
Enhancing the fleet, he added, is crucial to enhancing mobility for pilgrims and guests by providing protected, fashionable and dependable transport choices, whereas supporting the Kingdom’s broader shift towards sustainable transport options.
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SAR Chief Govt Officer Bashar Al-Malik mentioned the extra trains will considerably enhance the journey expertise for pilgrims and Umrah performers, notably throughout peak seasons, by rising operational flexibility and easing congestion between Makkah and Madinah.
He mentioned the growth will elevate the railway’s annual capability to greater than 30 million passengers, enabling the community to reply extra effectively to rising demand and anticipated will increase in pilgrim and customer numbers within the coming years.
The Haramain Excessive-Pace Railway is presently the quickest mode of transport between the 2 holy cities, working at speeds of as much as 300 kilometers per hour and finishing the journey in about two hours.
The route consists of intermediate stations in Jeddah, King Abdulaziz Worldwide Airport, and King Abdullah Financial Metropolis.
The railway presently operates a fleet of 35 trains. With the addition of the brand new order, the entire fleet will enhance to 55 trains as soon as deliveries are accomplished, considerably enhancing community readiness throughout Umrah and Hajj seasons.
Every new prepare will include 13 vehicles, together with eight economy-class coaches and 5 business-class coaches, with a complete seating capability of 417 passengers.
The trains can even embrace a devoted, totally outfitted coach for passengers with disabilities, supporting inclusive entry and improved service for all vacationers.
