# Saudi Arabian railway infrastructure expansion

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/saudi-arabian-railway-infrastructure-expansion
> Updated: 2026-10-09T09:14:13.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2.

Saudi Arabia is expanding its railway infrastructure through significant new procurement contracts with international manufacturers.

In late September 2026, Alstom secured a contract worth approximately 460 million euros from the Royal Commission for Riyadh City to supply driverless metro trains for Riyadh. This agreement aims to increase capacity and service frequency for the existing metro infrastructure, with Alstom also managing maintenance for lines 3, 4, and 6.

Following this, in October 2026, Saudi Arabia Railways exercised an option to order ten additional intercity trains from Stadler Rail, a deal valued at over 300 million Swiss francs. These specialized 175-meter-long trains are designed to withstand extreme heat and sand for use on the east-west line connecting Riyadh, Hofuf, Abqaiq, and Dammam. Commercial operations for these units are expected to begin in the second half of 2029.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-09: Stadler Rail receives 300 million franc order from Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia Railways has ordered ten additional intercity trains from Stadler Rail for over 300 million Swiss francs, doubling its fleet to 20 desert-ready vehicles.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/stadler-rail-receives-300-million-franc-order-from-saudi-arabia

### 2026-09-28: Alstom wins 460 million euro contract for Riyadh metro trains

Alstom has secured a 460 million euro contract to supply driverless metro trains for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to expand capacity and service frequency on existing lines.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alstom-wins-460-million-euro-contract-for-riyadh-metro-trains

---
Cite as: Saudi Arabian railway infrastructure expansion. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/saudi-arabian-railway-infrastructure-expansion