Saudi Haramain rail project to be ready 2015-2016

Saudi Arabia will complete the construction of a rail network linking its western towns of Median and Rabigh as part of its multi-billion dollar Haramain rail project in mid 2015, according to the project director.

Bassam Ghalman said a second part linking the Western Red Sea port of Jeddah with nearby Makkah would be finished in mid 2016.

“Four key train stations for this project will be completed before the end of this year…this is the largest public transport project in the Middle East,” Ghalman said, quoted by the Saudi Arabic language daily Al Madina.

He said the project involves the construction of 35 high-speed electric trains travelling at 300 kmph comprising 13 cars each.

He said the project consists of two main stages, the first of which includes civilian work, train stations, infrastructure, bridges and ferries. The second stage involves rail lines and supply, installation and operation of trains.

Ghalman said the 450-km (280 mile) rail would pass through Makkah, Jeddah, King Abdullah City, Rabigh and Madina, and would include five main train stations.

A consortium of 12 Spanish companies have been awarded the contract to build the trains, the first of which will be delivered before the end of 2014.

Haramain rail network, expected to cost nearly SAR46 billion ($12.2 billion), is part of a massive programme involving passenger and cargo trains and metros linking various parts of the world’s largest oil supplier.

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