STADLER signed a contract to supply 10 Next-Generation Passenger Trains to Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) on February 5. It is the Swiss rolling stock manufacturer’s first contract in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.
The total contract value is SFr 600m ($US 687.8m), including the base order for 10 trains, full maintenance support and supply of spare parts over 10 years, plus an option for 10 additional trains and their maintenance for 10 years.
Each train will be 175m long and accommodate 320 passengers. There will be an independent diesel-electric power car at each end, with engines meeting EU Stage V emissions standards.
Stadler says that the new SAR fleet will be specially equipped to operate in the desert climate of Saudi Arabia, and will also elevate train travel in that country “to the next level in terms of passenger comfort, travel experience and reliability.”
The new fleet has been acquired to meet rising demand on SAR’s East Train services from Riyadh to Hofuf, Abqaiq and Dammam, with the objective of doubling train capacity to carry over 3.8 million passengers a year.
Stadler Rail executive chairman, Mr Peter Spuhler, (far left) signs the contract in Riyad with SAR CEO, Dr Bashar bin Khaled Al-Malik (far right). Photo Credit: Stadler
SAR also hopes to introduce express services running non-stop between Riyadh to Dammam to meet the growing demand for journeys between the two principal cities of Saudi Arabia.
“The entry of new trains into service in the near future will open new horizons for economic movement by supporting rapid connectivity between cities and main regions,” says Saudi Arabia’s minister of transport and logistic services, Mr Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser.
“Today we are experiencing comprehensive development and sustainable strategic transformation in the railway sector,” says SAR CEO, Dr Bashar bin Khaled Al-Malik.
“This is a strategic milestone for Stadler to enter the railway market in the GCC region, a market that is expected to outperform other railway markets in terms of travel experience and passenger growth,” says Stadler Rail executive chairman, Mr Peter Spuhler.
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