L&T wins major contract for Riyadh Metro Red Line extension in Saudi Arabia

Larsen & Toubro’s Heavy Civil Infrastructure division has secured a major international win after being awarded a significant contract for the Riyadh Metro Red Line extension in Saudi Arabia. The company officially announced the development on January 28, 2026, confirming that the project has been awarded by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC).

Classified by L&T as a “major” contract, the project falls within the company’s ₹5,000 crore to ₹10,000 crore valuation range. The Indian engineering and construction giant is executing the project as part of a global consortium that includes Webuild S.p.A., Nesma & Partners Contracting, Alstom, and IDOM, underscoring the scale and complexity of the assignment.

The scope of work involves the design and turnkey construction of an 8.4-kilometer extension of the Riyadh Metro’s Red Line. Of this, 7.1 kilometers will run through deep underground tunnels, while the remaining 1.3 kilometers will consist of elevated track. The project also includes the construction of five new metro stations, significantly expanding the network’s reach.

Once completed, the extension will link King Saud University to the rapidly developing Diriyah Gate area. Two stations will serve King Saud University’s medical city and campus, while three stations will be located within the Diriyah Gate Development, a flagship cultural and tourism destination that includes the UNESCO World Heritage site of Diriyah.

The expansion forms a critical part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 program, which aims to modernize urban infrastructure, reduce reliance on private vehicles, and enhance connectivity to key historical and economic zones. By improving access between educational institutions, residential districts, and cultural landmarks, the Red Line extension is expected to play a central role in Riyadh’s long-term urban mobility strategy.

The project is expected to take approximately six years to complete, reflecting the technical challenges involved in deep underground tunneling and station construction in a dense urban environment.

For L&T, the contract further strengthens its position as a leading global infrastructure player. The company has previously delivered key components of the Riyadh Metro project, and this latest win builds on its track record of executing large-scale, complex transport infrastructure projects across the Middle East and beyond.