RIYADH, SEPTEMBER 2025 —Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) has launched a procurement process to engage consultants for a major new rail link in Riyadh. The project involves designing and supervising a 35-kilometre double-track railway line connecting the North-South Railway network with the Eastern Railway network in Riyadh.

The contract scope includes not only the tracks themselves, but supporting infrastructure: viaducts, civil works, utility installations, signalling systems, and other associated works. Consultant bids are being sought by late September 2025.

This Riyadh rail link is part of the broader Saudi Landbridge initiative, an estimated US$7 billion programme to build more than 1,500 km of new railway track. A core component of the Landbridge is a 900-km link between Riyadh and Jeddah, designed to improve freight access from King Abdullah Port on the Red Sea. Other sections include upgrades to existing lines and new links to major ports.

The Riyadh link is seen as a key first phase of the Landbridge project. Its construction is expected to significantly enhance connectivity and logistics in and around the capital, improve operational efficiency of existing rail networks, and support Saudi Arabia’s strategic vision of becoming a regional transport and trade hub.

Source: MEED