Saudi Arabia is committed to an unprecedented nationwide program of expansion to its transportation infrastructure, with the creation of one of the world’s most sophisticated rail and metro networks as the backbone of this ground breaking vision. An integral part of the Kingdom’s much wider USD 500 billion bid to expand and diversify its economy by 2020 through widespread development projects in the industrial base and social welfare, transport infrastructure and particularly a transformation of the country’s existing rail network have become a national priority.
As well as meeting rapidly rising passenger requirements, an emphasis on freight and connecting major ports and industrial centers will provide a vital impetus for regional economic development. More ambitious still, the Saudi network, incorporating the laying of a projected 7,000 Km of track and including a new east-west rail corridor and light rail and metro schemes in Makkah and Riyadh, will also form the biggest component part of the GCC-wide rail system, planned for completion by 2030.