Updated September 16, 2025: In a promising turn of events, Saudi Arabia’s state-owned SAR has allowed contractors more time to submit their prequalification bids for the Riyadh rail link. The contract covers the construction of the new railway line which will run from the north to the south of Riyadh. Moreover, the scope of work entails the construction of a 35-kilometer-long-double-track railway line. The line will connect Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) North-South railway with the Eastern Railway Network. The contract also entails the procurement, construction, and installation of associated infrastructure.
The implementation of the Riyadh rail link project provides insight that the construction of the Saudi Landbridge project is more likely. The Landbridge is an estimated $7 billion project comprising more than 1,500 kilometers of new track. Its core components is a 900 km new railway between Riyadh and Jeddah. Once done, it will provide direct freight access to the capital from King Abdullah Port and Yanbu. The project is one of the kingdom’s most anticipated infrastructure programs. The Riyadh rail link acts as the first phases towards the grand scheme of the Landbridge project.
November 29, 2023: The Saudi Landbridge project takes shape as construction is set to commence early next year according to the project scope. The project entails the construction of a new track stretching to about 15,000 kilometers. This is deemed as Saudi Arabia’s most anticipated project in the construction industry. Negotiations for the final scope of the project are in the closing stages. This entails discussions on the final cost and financing of the project. The official announcement on the project was issued by the National Industrial Development and Logistics Programme (NLDP). The commission stated that the Saudi Landbridge project is expected to be live early next year. The commission also insighted that the negotiations regarding the implementation of the project are in advanced stages.
Saudi authorities are undertaking negotiations with the Saudi China Landbridge consortium (SLCC) to determine the scope of the Saudi Landbridge project. The consortium signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the client party. This was done so as to put in effect that the project will be implemented on a public-private partnership. The consortium conducting the project was brought forth by the Saudi Railway Company (SAR). It also was in consensus with the China Civil Engineering Construction Company. Other parties are also involved in the construction of the Saudi Landbridge project as others still show interest. This includes local-based company Al-Ayuni Contracting.
Project Factsheet
Significance:
- One of the largest railway projects in the Middle East and globally.
- Aims to connect the Red Sea (Jeddah) with the Arabian Gulf (Dammam), transforming regional logistics.
- Key to Saudi Vision 2030, supporting trade diversification and positioning the kingdom as a logistics hub.
Infrastructure:
- Total length of 1,500 km of new track, including a 900 km Riyadh–Jeddah freight and passenger line.
- Integration of the Riyadh Rail Link (35 km double-track line) connecting SAR’s North–South Railway with the Eastern Network.
- Includes stations, viaducts, civil works, signaling systems, utility installations, and freight terminals.
Developer:
- Owned and managed by Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR).
- Hill International (US), Italferr (Italy), and Sener (Spain) appointed in December 2023 to provide project management services.
- Multiple contractors expected to participate under packages covering construction, procurement, and supervision.
Funding:
- Estimated cost: $7 billion.
- Backed by Saudi government financing, with opportunities for private and international investment.
- Envisions long-term benefits through enhanced trade routes and reduced shipping times.
Challenges:
- First announced in 2004, placed on hold in 2010, and revived in 2011.
- Delays due to route alignment, rights-of-way disputes, and cost escalations.
- Requires overcoming financial and logistical complexities to meet Vision 2030 timelines.
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The Saudi Landbridge Project is One of the Largest Infrastructure Projects Planned in the Kingdom
The Saudi Landbridge project is one of the largest infrastructure projects planned in the Saudi Kingdom. The client company implementing the project is Saudi Railway Company (SAR). The project scope comprises the construction of six lines. One of the lines includes the upgrading of the Jubali Industrial City internal network. This line is currently under construction and will require 10km of track to be constructed. Of the six lines, one of the lines that is slated as 6th in the project implementation is a new 172km line. The line will stretch from King Abdullah Port to Yanbu Industrial City. The Saudi Landbridge project will enhance the Kingdom’s transport sector as improve modern transport modes.
