Saudi Arabia Doubles Intercity Train Fleet in $359M Deal Ahead of 2029

Saudi Arabia has expanded its national railway modernization plans by doubling an order of intercity train sets to 20 units in an agreement valued at approximately $359 million (SAR 1.35 billion), ahead of operations scheduled for 2029.

The strategic expansion builds on Saudi Arabia's continuous push to overhaul its transport infrastructure and expand high-capacity passenger transit across main regional hubs. Under the terms of the agreement, the new train fleet will offer modern amenities, enhanced safety systems, and energy-efficient engines designed to withstand the region's harsh desert climate.

The multi-million-dollar deal represents a critical component of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 blueprint, which emphasizes public transit connectivity, sustainable mobility, and economic diversification. The procurement of the additional rolling stock will significantly increase daily passenger carrying capacity between major economic and cultural centers.

Authorities indicated that the new fleet will feature updated passenger cabins, high-speed connectivity services, and accessibility accommodations. The delivery timeline ensures testing, route commissioning, and integration into the existing railway network prior to full commercial rollout.

The investment also aligns with wider regional rail developments across the Gulf Cooperation Council, where member states are accelerating national and cross-border rail connections to accommodate commercial supply chains and growing intercity passenger travel demands.