Stadler has secured contracts with Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) to supply and for the maintenance of 10+10 Next Generation passenger trains.

The contracts with a value of 600m CHF are Stadler’s first contracts in one of the fastest growing railway markets, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.

It comprises an initial supply of ten trainsets with an option of another ten trainsets, whilst the maintenance contract includes full maintenance support and spares for ten years with an option for a ten-year extension.

Designed according to latest European and International Standards, the new trainsets will be suitably equipped for the climatic and ambient conditions in Saudi Arabia.

Each trainset will be approx. 175m long with two independent diesel-electric motors that meet the latest European emission standards stage V, and accommodate 320 passengers.

Although this is Stadler’s first contract in the fast growing market of the GCC region, it has secured two other large contracts in the MENA (Middle East North Africa) that provide it with significant design appropriate for the regional climatic and ambient conditions.

The contract emphasises the strategic importance of a bilateral relationship between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Switzerland and the signing was witnessed by His Excellency Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistic Services of Saudi Arabia and Chairman of the board of Saudi Arabia Railways and Swiss Federal Councillor Guy Parmeli.

His Excellency the Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR), Engineer Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, explained “The purchase of these modern trains comes in response to the increasing demand for the East Train passenger services, as the new trains will contribute to doubling the annual capacity of the East Trains to reach more than (3.8) million passengers annually and provide direct trips from Riyadh to Dammam (express service) to meet the growing demand for trips between the two main cities in the Kingdom.

“The introduction of these modern trains into the railway network also comes in alignment with the initiatives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy (NTLS) to improve the quality of life, enhance the public transport system in the Kingdom, and improve the overall experience, stressing that “the entry of new trains into service in the near future will open new horizons for the economic movement witnessed in the Kingdom, by supporting rapid connectivity between cities and main regions in the Kingdom, noting the great and unlimited support that the transportation and logistics system receives from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and HRH the Crown Prince, to enable the sector to achieve its initiatives in accordance with Saudi Vision 2030.”

Dr. Bashar bin Khaled Al-Malik, CEO of Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR), added: “Today we are experiencing a comprehensive development and a sustainable strategic transformation in the railway sector, as these modern trains represent an effective tool for improving services provided to the residents and visitors of the Kingdom.

“The new trains will serve the entire operational scope of the East Railway network by increasing seat capacity, the number of daily trips, and the annual capacity of the network, as these trains will cover the stations of Riyadh, Hofuf, Abqaiq and Dammam.”

Peter Spuhler, Executive Chairman of Stadler Rail said “Today we are honoured to be awarded with this prestigious contract from one of the fastest growing railway companies in the world. We are very happy to be trusted with the development and delivery of SAR´s next generation passenger trains and will do our utmost to meet the high expectations of SAR and the passengers in the Kingdom. It is an honour to be part of Saudi Arabia´s development towards sustainable and ecological passenger transportation.

At the same time this is is a strategic milestone for Stadler to enter into the railway market in the GCC region, a market that is expected to be outperforming other railway markets in terms of travel experience and passenger growth.”.