Riyadh Metro Announces SR5.5 Billion Network Expansion

Business Saudi Arabia

Riyadh Metro Announces Massive SR5.5 Billion Network Expansion Project

Preparing For Massive Global Events

Saudi Arabia announced a massive SR5.5 billion expansion of the Riyadh Metro. The project adds 94 new trains to increase passenger capacity by 60 percent. The capital is aggressively preparing to host Expo 2030 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup. The Royal Commission for Riyadh City formally announced the new contracts today. They awarded the manufacturing contracts to Siemens and French rail manufacturer Alstom. This massive purchase increases the active metro fleet from 183 to 277 trains. Deliveries will begin arriving in phases starting in the year 2028. The new trains will undergo rigorous testing before entering service across the six lines.

Increasing Capacity Across All Lines

The Red Line will record the absolute largest capacity increase at 142 percent. The Yellow Line follows closely with a massive 116 percent increase. The Blue Line will see a very solid 60 percent capacity bump. Capacity on the Orange and Purple lines will also rise significantly. Daily passenger capacity on the Blue Line will surge to 533,000 riders. The Red Line will accommodate 370,000 passengers, up from just 154,000 currently. RCRC Chief Executive Ibrahim Al Sultan provided updated ridership figures today. The metro has carried more than 300 million passengers since operations began.

Transforming Urban Transportation

Average ridership rose 25 percent between January and September 2026 alone. Combined metro and bus journeys are rapidly approaching the 500 million mark. This includes more than 20 million trips taken by students across the city. An RCRC survey found that 83 percent of metro passengers use the network daily. Al Sultan also announced progress on extending the Red Line to Diriyah. Meanwhile, Riyadh is advancing a massive 700km road development programme simultaneously. These infrastructure projects fundamentally change how residents navigate the growing capital city. Understand the major projects shaping the future of Middle Eastern infrastructure. Read more comprehensive business and development news at The WAU.

Author: Kriti Vaid