Launch of Riyadh Metro to rail-volutionise the capital soon

The largest metro project in the world to be built in a single phase spans six lines across 176 kilometres.

If you’ve been to Riyadh recently, you’ve probably noticed that the entire city is under construction. And it’s not just new hotels and entertainment venues popping up in Saudi Arabia. The capital is also gearing up for the launch of the long-awaited Riyadh Metro, which is set to be operational later this year.

Get ready to say goodbye to traffic jams that make getting around Riyadh feel like a test of your patience. The upcoming Riyadh Metro is set to revolutionise travel within the capital, offering smoother and faster commutes. The Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics, Saleh Al Jasser, confirmed recently that the project is nearing completion, adding that the finish line is in sight.

Speaking to Arabic TV network Al Arabiya Business in Arabic, he said: “The opening is just around the corner, and the long wait will end with a distinguished project that we are all looking forward to. The Royal Commission for Riyadh City announced that it will open this year. It is undoubtedly a massive project and a significant shift.”

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.

Much like Dubai Metro, these trains will be fully automated and designed for maximum comfort and efficiency. The Riyadh Metro fleet will initially consist of 190 train sets and 470 carriages, equipped with advanced climate control features, safety surveillance, and even WiFi.

The Riyadh Metro is part of the wider King Abdulaziz Project for Riyadh Public Transport, which will also include an expansive bus network with 80 routes and 2,860 stops. Once operational, it will initially accommodate 1.2 million passengers daily, with plans to scale up to 3.6 million. And with Saudi Arabia hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2034, this metro is expected to become the preferred mode of transportation for visitors and locals alike.

Test trains are already running on some lines, so it’s now only a matter of time before the Riyadh Metro officially launches. We’ll keep you posted.

GO: Visit www.rcrc.gov.sa for more information.