Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) has launched a public tender for the manufacture of ten new passenger trains for its Northern Network.
The initiative forms part of the company’s ongoing programme to develop the rail transport system and improve the efficiency of passenger services, in line with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030.
An artist rendering of trains for Saudi Arabia
© Stadler
The tender covers the design, manufacture and supply of the trains, as well as the provision of fleet maintenance services. The inclusion of long-term maintenance is intended to support operational readiness and asset sustainability. Bids must be submitted by 11 May 2026, in accordance with the applicable public procurement regulations.
Commenting on the announcement, SAR Chief Executive Officer Dr Bashar bin Khalid Al-Malik said that expanding the passenger fleet is a central element of the company’s strategy to develop passenger rail services. He noted that the addition of the new trains would help address rising demand for intercity travel.
Dr Al-Malik stated that the new fleet is expected to increase the operational capacity of the Northern Network to nearly three times its current level, raising annual seating capacity to more than 2.4 million seats. This expansion is intended to support continued growth in passenger movement between cities served by the network.
The Northern Network extends for approximately 2,700 kilometres and links several major cities, including Riyadh, Al Majmaah, Al Qassim, Hail, Al Jouf and Al Qurayyat. SAR has also indicated plans to expand the network through the addition of new passenger stations, including Al Zulfi, in the coming years.
The tender forms part of SAR’s phased approach to modernising and expanding its passenger fleet across different rail corridors. In parallel, the company is currently manufacturing ten new passenger trains for the Eastern Line, as part of broader efforts to improve operational efficiency and service reliability across the national railway network.