Stadler, a leading Swiss train manufacturer, has successfully secured a groundbreaking contract in Saudi Arabia, marking its entry into the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region’s dynamic railway sector.
The contract, valued at over 640 million euros, includes the supply of ten state-of-the-art trainsets and an option for an additional ten, coupled with a comprehensive decade-long maintenance agreement.
The contract aligns with Saudi Arabia’s ambitious VISION 2030, a strategic initiative aimed at revolutionizing the nation’s railway infrastructure. The primary goals include establishing vital connections between the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf ports and an extensive expansion of the existing railway network by a staggering 8,000 kilometers. This visionary project, announced by Minister Khalid al-Falih in January of the previous year, seeks to not only double the country’s current railway network but also increase the annual passenger capacity to 3 million.
The trainsets, tailored to meet the latest European and International Standards, will be meticulously designed to withstand the distinctive climatic and ambient conditions prevalent in Saudi Arabia. Each self-propelled train, spanning approximately 175 meters, will feature two independent diesel-electric power heads adhering to European emission standards stage V. With a capacity to accommodate around 320 passengers, these cutting-edge trains represent a significant leap in modern railway transportation.
This contract serves as Stadler’s inaugural foray into the GCC region’s thriving railway market. Following a rigorous international tender process in 2022, Stadler emerged as the preferred bidder in 2023, solidifying its position as a key player in the region’s railway sector. The deal not only reinforces Stadler’s commitment to innovation and excellence but also positions the company as a strategic partner in Saudi Arabia’s monumental railway expansion journey.
