The chief govt of Saudi Arabia Railways stated no settlement has been reached with a Chinese language alliance to implement the Land Bridge challenge linking Riyadh and Jeddah, citing the consortium’s failure to fulfill native content material necessities.
Talking on the tv program Fi Al Surah (“Within the Image”) on Monday, SAR CEO Bashar bin Khalid Al-Malik stated the strategic rail challenge will as an alternative be delivered “via a brand new mechanism and in phases”, with completion anticipated earlier than 2034.
Al-Malik made the remarks whereas outlining SAR’s wider rail technique and up to date operational developments throughout the Kingdom.
He stated SAR relocated freight practice operations away from Hofuf to enhance residents’ high quality of life, including that the challenge was accomplished final yr as a part of efforts to stability infrastructure enlargement with group issues.
Addressing questions on station areas in northern Saudi Arabia, Al-Malik stated Al-Jouf station is situated removed from Sakaka metropolis as a result of the railway route was initially designed to serve the mining sector, with passenger companies added later.
On seasonal and spiritual transport, he stated SAR was tasked by a Council of Ministers determination with working the Mashaaer Prepare throughout Hajj. He stated the practice was operated throughout the latest Hajj season with 100 per cent Saudi manpower.
“The Mashaaer Prepare is among the many largest on this planet”, Al-Malik stated, including that every practice can carry round 3,000 passengers per journey.
On regional connectivity, Al-Malik described the Riyadh–Doha practice as the primary high-speed rail service within the area linking two international locations. He stated the road operates over a 785-kilometre community, serves Hofuf and Dammam and reaches speeds of as much as 300 kilometres per hour.
He added that the challenge connects King Salman Worldwide Airport in Riyadh with Hamad Worldwide Airport in Doha, strengthening air and rail integration between the 2 capitals and main cities alongside the hall.
Al-Malik additionally highlighted the rising position of ladies within the rail sector, saying Saudi girls have proven excessive effectivity in working the Haramain Excessive Velocity Railway.
“We launched coaching applications for Saudi girls to function high-speed trains, and we had been very shocked by the sturdy turnout”, he stated.
He stated growth work is beneath manner on the Japanese Railway Community, with new trains set to be launched to double passenger capability by the top of 2027.
