Construction work starts on Riyadh metro project

METRO PLAN: Riyadh is planning to build a metro system, similar to one recently completed in Dubai. (Getty Images)

Construction work has started on a light-rail project for the capital city of Saudi Arabia, where 36 stations will be built in the first phase, it was reported on Tuesday.

This project is aimed at reducing congestion in Riyadh where 87 percent of the population use private cars as the primary mode of transport, Arab News reported.

Mohammed Abu-zaid, a spokesman for the Saudi Railways Organisation (SRO) said that eight trains would be received within 36 months from the Spanish company CAF.

The project, which comes under the jurisdiction of Arriyadh Development Authority (ADA), will see 23 stations built on the first route and 13 on a second rail link, according to an ADA report seen by the paper.

An ADA source told Arab News: “The construction works have started on the two railway routes of the city."

The first phase will involve the construction of a 25km north-south route while the second phase will involve a 14km route extending from east to west.

The paper said the first phase of the project was expected to cover 30 districts of the city and will serve 1,500 passengers per hour per track initially and then up to 8,000 passengers per hour.

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READERS' COMMENTS

Better late than never
Posted by Saudi, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia on Tuesday 10 November 2009 at 19:29 UAE time


As for the commuter rail project ... It is about time that they have done something for the good of the city, the people and the environment. time to think about other places in the kingdom besides Riyadh.

To Reader & Dellboy
Posted by Saudi, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia on Tuesday 10 November 2009 at 19:26 UAE time

Dellboy, certainly you can not mix KSA & Humor at the same comment. it is a No No :-)

Reader, take it easy ... that is not Sharee3ah law. Sharee3ah never said anything about closing business during prayer time except on Friday Prayers. Go read the Book ( Quran ) if you are not sure. What is being practiced in Saudi Arabia has nothing to do with Sharee3ah when it comes to closing shops.

I am a Muslim and a citizen of Saudi Arabia and I can attest to that.

Regards to all readers

Metro Rail in Riyadh
Posted by Kazi, Riyadh on Tuesday 10 November 2009 at 18:13 UAE time


It was good news to the commuter a long waiting project it is must to the city there will less traffic on the road and less accident. Best wishs to ARD.

To reader from Riyadh
Posted by Dellboy, London, UK on Tuesday 10 November 2009 at 18:06 UAE time


I lived there for 10 years.............. so your comments are no surprise to me. My comments however were made 'tongue in cheek' but I should have remembered that KSA and a sense of humour cannot be used in the same sentence.

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