Image: Getty Images
On November 27, Saudi Arabia will mark a significant milestone in its urban transformation with the launch of the first phase of the Riyadh Metro.
The metro features six routes in total, spanning 176km and 84 stations.
The first phase will see operations kick off on its first three lines, with the remaining expected to be up and running by mid-December.
Riyadh Metro’s first phase launch
The lines will connect the following areas:
- Line 1: Al Orouba to Batha
- Line 2: King Khalid International Airport Road
- Line 3: Intersection of Abdulrahman Bin Auf Street and Sheikh Hassan Bin Hussein Street
By mid-December, the additional three lines, covering critical routes such as King Abdullah Road, Al Madina, and King Abdulaziz Road, will further expand the network, increasing the metro’s reach and capacity.
Key Vision 2030 initiative
The project represents a total investment of $22.5bn (SR84.4bn), making it one of the largest infrastructure investments in the kingdom. While the project has faced delays due to logistical challenges and the global Covid-19 pandemic, the metro’s opening marks a major leap toward Riyadh’s vision of becoming a global commercial hub.
Set to redefine public transportation in the capital, the metro is a cornerstone project under Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 initiative, aimed at diversifying the economy and modernising urban infrastructure.
إطلاق جزئي لـ #المترو الأربعاء المقبل عبر 3 مسارات في المرحلة الأولى #الاقتصادية #مترو_الرياض
— تحديثات قطار الرياض (@_RiyadhMetro) November 22, 2024
Sustainable operations
The Riyadh Metro offers a cleaner, faster, and more sustainable alternative to car-dependent travel.
Solar panels installed at metro stations and depots will generate 20 per cent of the energy needed for critical systems, reducing the carbon footprint of the network.
Additionally, energy-efficient trains and regenerative braking systems will minimise power consumption, while all six lines will eventually run entirely on renewable energy.
The metro trains incorporate energy-efficient technology, including regenerative braking, which recycles energy during braking and reduces overall power consumption.
By the time all six lines are fully operational, the Riyadh Metro is expected to run on 100 per cent renewable energy, underscoring the kingdom’s commitment to sustainability and clean energy.
Ticket pricing, including discount packages, will be announced shortly.