10 New Trains to Boost Saudi Arabia’s Northern Rail Network Capacity

Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) has announced a new tender for the supply of 10 passenger trains to expand and enhance services on the Kingdom’s northern rail network, marking another step forward in the development of the national transport system.

The move aligns with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and supports the broader goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to modernise infrastructure and improve connectivity across the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

The tender includes the design, manufacturing, and supply of the new trains, in addition to fleet maintenance services, ensuring operational readiness and long-term sustainability of the assets. Interested bidders must submit their proposals by May 11, 2026, in line with approved public tender regulations.

SAR Chief Executive Officer Bashar Al-Malik said that expanding the passenger train fleet is a strategic priority for the company. He explained that the new trains will help meet rising passenger demand by nearly tripling the operational capacity of the northern network. Once deployed, annual seating capacity is expected to exceed 2.4 million passengers, significantly strengthening the railway’s role in supporting intercity travel growth.

The northern rail network connects several major cities and regions, including Riyadh, Al-Majmaah, Qassim, Hail, Al-Jouf, and Al-Qurayyat, playing a key role in linking the Kingdom’s central and northern areas. Plans are also underway to further expand the network, with new stations such as Al-Zulfi set to be added in future phases.

The tender forms part of SAR’s phased modernisation programme for its passenger fleet. In parallel, the company is currently manufacturing 10 new trains for the eastern line, aimed at improving operational efficiency, enhancing service reliability, and elevating passenger transport services nationwide.

Together, these initiatives underscore Saudi Arabia Railways’ commitment to building a modern, integrated rail network that supports economic growth, mobility, and sustainable transport across the Kingdom.