Saudi Arabia’s King Salman inaugurates Riyadh Metro

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud inaugurated the Riyadh Metro on Wednesday, according to state-run Saudi Press Agency.

The project is considered the backbone of the public transport network in Riyadh and an element of the transportation system in the city.

King Salman watched an introductory film about the project, which is distinguished by its exceptional design and technical specifications.

“The Riyadh Public Transport Project, which spans metro and bus networks, is the culmination of concerted efforts made by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the outcome of his visionary leadership while serving as the Chairman of the High Commission for the Development of Arriyadh, the predecessor of RCRC,” Prime Minister and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was quoted as saying by SPA.

Set to be the longest driverless metro line in the world, Riyadh Metro will boast a total distance of 176 km. The inauguration comes 12 years after the project was first announced, marking a significant milestone in Saudi capital’s public transport development.

The Phase I of the project will include operations on three major lines: Al Orouba to Batha, King Khalid International Airport Road, and the intersection of Abdulrahman Bin Auf Street with Sheikh Hassan Bin Hussein Street.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques views an introductory video about the Riyadh Metro — one of the Kingdom’s major projects during his prosperous reign — distinguished by its standout design and technological features, with a network that spans 176 kilometers across 6 lines… pic.twitter.com/qyN6AMvvaY

— SPAENG (@Spa_Eng) November 27, 2024

Meanwhile, the lines along King Abdullah Road, Al Madina, and King Abdulaziz Road will open in the middle of next month, further boosting the network’s operational capacity.

Riyadh Metro at a glance

The first phase of the Riyadh Metro will include operations on three lines, with the remaining three lines scheduled to open in mid-December.

The metro system incorporates several sustainable features, including energy-efficient trains, regenerative braking technology to minimise energy consumption, and the use of renewable energy through solar panels installed at various stations.

The Royal Commission for Riyadh City said the metro will transform urban mobility by connecting major districts, reducing traffic congestion, and improving air quality.

With a maximum daily capacity of 3.6 million passengers, it connects key areas, business centres, and cultural landmarks, including King Khalid International Airport, King Abdullah Financial District, universities, and Riyadh’s main malls.

The Riyadh Metro features 85 metro stations, including four main stations where several lines intersect. The stations boast modern architecture and were built on several levels, with 34 elevated stations, four surface stations and 47 underground stations.

The project encompasses 183 trains and 448 cars manufactured by Siemens, Bombardier, and Alstom. It complements the Riyadh Bus network, which is the second component of the Riyadh Public Transport system.

Read: Riyadh Metro to kick off first phase on Nov 27, includes 3 lines