The Riyadh Metro project is expected to commence its operations before the end of 2024, according to Saudi Arabia’s Transport & Logistics Services Minister, Saleh Al-Jasser.
The $23bn project was scheduled to open six years ago, in 2018, but construction activity on the project has slowed in recent years due to disputes over prolongation and the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Developers of the Riyadh Metro
Arriyadh Development Authority, now the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC), awarded the main construction packages for the scheme on 28 July 2013.
In November 2022, the three contracting consortiums working on the Riyadh Metro scheme had struck deals regarding the completion of the works for the project with the RCRC.
Once completed, the Riyadh Metro will feature six lines, with a total of 84 stations.
The project aims to contribute to solving traffic congestion. Currently, 90% of trips within the Saudi capital rely on cars.
The development was divided into five major design-and-build packages, with lines one and two as a combined package, and the other lines as single packages. Each package also includes the supply of rolling stock.
Spanish firm FCC Construccion heads up the consortium known as Fast, while US firm Bechtel leads the BACS consortium. Italian firm Ansaldo STS is the leader of the Arriyadh New Mobility group.
The Fast consortium won lines four, five and six, which are reported to be valued at $7.82bn. The BACS consortium picked up lines one and two for $9.45bn, while Arriyadh New Mobility secured line three for $5.21bn.
Significance of the Project
Once completed, the project will considerably reduce carbon emissions by providing a sustainable means of transportation to facilitate citizens’ and residents’ dependence on vehicles.
In one of its project highlights, RMTC said that the designs developed for the four stations will meet a minimum silver certification of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification.
Overall, the project has taken the lifecycle design approach: plan, design, and construct the project using materials that are local, recyclable and nonpolluting.
Once launched, this monumental project will be a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of architects, artists and engineers, a celebration of the human mind.
It will demonstrate the country’s commitment to modernized structures that offer people top-tier facilities, making it a sought-after experience at the Riyadh Expo 2030.
The Riyadh Metro is the largest metro project in the world to be built in a single phase. It will span six lines (or routes) across 176 kilometres, with 84 stations connecting the city. The Blue Line will cover Al Olaya, Al Batha, and Al Hayer roads, while the Red Line will run along King Abdullah Road. The Orange Line will connect Al Madinah Al Munawarah Road to Prince Saad Bin Abdurrahman I Road. The Yellow Line will service the King Khalid International Airport, the Green Line will follow King Abdulaziz Road, and the Violet Line will link Abdurrahman Bin Awf Road to Sheikh Hassan Bin Hussain Bin Ali Road.
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