The Riyadh Metro is poised to transform public transport, reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality. It directly supports the Kingdom’s objectives in sustainable urban development and economic diversification. Planned to serve a maximum capacity of 3.6 million passengers per day, the Riyadh Metro network will significantly reduce reliance on private vehicles, decreasing fuel consumption by approximately 3.8 million liters per year and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 3,105 tonnes of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), 217 tonnes of particulate matter, 3,990 tonnes of carbon dioxide nitrogen and 12.5 million tonnes of CO2.
Andrew DeLeone, President of Africa, Middle East and Central Asia at Alstom, said: “The launch of the Riyadh Metro by the Royal Commission for the City of Riyadh marks an important milestone in the advancement of Riyadh’s Vision 2030. Saudi Arabia. Leveraging innovative technology and sustainable practices, we are reshaping urban mobility with the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) and empowering communities while driving economic growth. Alstom is proud to play a major role in this transformation and contribute to a brighter, more interconnected future for the Kingdom and beyond.”
The metro will operate in phases, with the yellow line (line 4) and purple line (line 6) entering service on the 1stis December, followed by the green line (line 5) on December 15 and the Orange line (line 3) on January 5.
Alstom’s contribution includes 47 Innovia metro trains for the orange line and 69 Metropolis metro trains for the yellow, green and purple linestailor-made to meet the specific needs of Riyadh, and offering superior performance and efficiency. The metro uses Alstom’s CBTC Urbalis signaling system for safe and efficient operations. HESOP regenerative braking technology recovers braking energy, reducing operating costs and energy consumption.
This launch marks the commercial entry into service of the 100e line of Alstom, with a complete turnkey project, which demonstrates the group’s global expertise. This integrated system represents the largest single-phase turnkey urban metro project ever undertaken by the rail industry, and Alstom’s largest turnkey urban project to this jour.
“The Riyadh Metro is not just a transportation system, it is also a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s forward-thinking vision and commitment to sustainable growth,” said Mohamed Khalil, Managing Director of Regional Headquarters for the Middle East. “Alstom is extremely proud to have participated in this innovative project, delivering a world-class metro that will redefine urban mobility and contribute to a brighter future for Riyadh.”
Six of Alstom’s 16 French sites are involved in this project:
- Villeurbanne, for the control-command computer system, the passenger information system and on-board equipment;
- Le Creusot, for bogies;
- Tarbes, for power modules and circuit breakers;
- Saint-Ouen, for signage;
- Flertex St-Florentin, for brake shoes;
- and Valenciennes for project engineering and interiors.
Alstom also provides comprehensive maintenance services for the Orange, Yellow, Green and Purple lines. This includes the maintenance of trains, fixed installations such as tracks and signaling systems, communications networks, passenger information systems and power supply, ensuring long-term system reliability. From the laying of the foundation stone in 2014 to the inauguration of the complete network today, Alstom is proud to have consistently delivered world-class expertise.
Alstom in Saudi Arabia
For many years, Alstom has been a dedicated partner in promoting mobility in Saudi Arabia. Our presence in the Kingdom began in 1951 when we installed our first gas turbine in the power sector.
Since that first engagement, we have become a critical contributor to the region’s transportation infrastructure, playing a crucial role in shaping the future of transportation systems and projects.
The inauguration of our new Middle East headquarters in Riyadh represents a significant step forward in our mission. This facility strengthens our ability to support the Kingdom’s ambitious goals, allowing us to quickly adapt to market demands while strengthening our local expertise. By combining global perspectives with a deep understanding of local conditions, we are well prepared to provide customized solutions that meet the specific needs of Saudi Arabia’s transportation sector.
ALSTOM™, HESOP™, Innovia™, Metropolis™ and Urbalis™ are protected brands of the Alstom group.