Riyadh Metro Expansion with 94 New Trains

The Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) has signed contracts valued at approximately SR5.5 billion to purchase 94 additional trains for the Riyadh Metro. This expansion will increase the network's passenger capacity by 60%, with the metro fleet growing from 183 to 277 trains. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in phases starting in 2028. The expansion aims to accommodate the rising demand for public transportation in anticipation of Expo 2030 Riyadh and the 2034 FIFA World Cup, as well as ongoing residential, commercial, and entertainment developments in the capital. German engineering company Siemens and French rail manufacturer Alstom will execute the contracts, which include train manufacturing, onboard systems, equipment, and associated services. The new trains will be distributed across the metro's six lines based on passenger demand, with the Red Line seeing the largest capacity increase at 142%. The Blue Line's daily passenger capacity will rise from approximately 340,000 to 533,000, while the Red Line will increase from 154,000 to 370,000 passengers. The Yellow Line's capacity will more than double, increasing from 133,000 to over 288,000 passengers per day. RCRC CEO Ibrahim Al-Sultan announced during the 37th Government Press Conference that the metro has carried over 300 million passengers since operations began. Average ridership increased by 25% between January and September 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. The authority is also working on extending the Red Line from King Saud University to Diriyah, adding five stations. Additionally, major road infrastructure projects are underway, including the Main and Ring Road Axes Development Program, which covers 700 kilometers of roads and more than 330 major intersections.