The Opening of Riyadh Metro is Set to Improve Traffic and Transportation in KAFD
Dec 6, 2024
Riyadh, a fast-growing city of around eight million people, has become a hotspot for many types of signature projects, all centred around the Vision 2030 reform agenda of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, King Salman’s son and the de facto ruler.
The Riyadh Metro, part of the “Riyadh Public Transport” project, officially launched on December 1st, 2024, is another initiative to transform the city’s infrastructure and support the ambitious goals of Vision 2030.
The custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, inaugurated the Riyadh Metro project, also billed as “the backbone of the capital’s public transport network”.
It is one of the Kingdom’s major projects, distinguished by standout design and advanced technological integrations.
Studies Behind The Riyadh Public Transport Project
This project is a result of studies conducted by The High Commission for the Development of Arriyadh (now RCRC - Royal Commission for Riyadh City) on the capital city’s current and future public transport demands.
The findings of this research outlined the need for a sustainable public transit system that addresses Riyadh’s unique urban ecosystem, growing population, and related traffic characteristics.
The Riyadh Public Transport System was proposed as a solution to address the study's findings, which included a metro system (Riyadh Metro) and a parallel network that can meet and keep up with the city's current and projected mobility needs.
The project was then followed by a well-received bidding process, which saw the participation of many key global consortia. Finally, the Riyadh Metro contracts were awarded to three consortia, comprising over 19 major global companies from 13 countries.
This features the BACS consortium, which includes Almabani General Contractors, Consolidated Contractors Company, and Siemens. They handle the design, construction, train cars, and signalling - and will also overlook the electrification and integration of the new lines to the rest of the transport system.
Riyadh Metro: Project Overview
The current population of Riyadh, which is 6 million, is projected to increase to 9.6 million by 2030. Riyadh Metro system will successfully meet the new demands of the growing population and support the city in reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality.
It is also expected to make significant contributions in terms of catering to the urban mobility needs of the capital city while improving the quality of life for both residents and visitors alike. All these initiatives are poised to be in line with the objectives of Vision 2030.
The successful launch of Riyadh Metro is backed by the tremendous support of the Crown Prince and is considered one of the world's largest public transport projects conducted in a single phase.
The Riyadh Metro Map can be downloaded here, on RCRC's website.
The Three Phases of The Riyadh Metro Launch
This exciting project is said to be launched in three separate phases, each on a different date, as follows:
The first phase began on December 1st, 2024, and features the following:
Yellow Line - Serving the King Khalid International Airport Corridor
Blue Line - Serving Olaya Street to Batha
Purple Line - Serving Abdulrahman bin Auf Road to Sheikh Hassan Bin Hussein Road
The second phase was initiated on December 15th, 2024, and includes:
Green Line - Serving King Abdulaziz Road
Red Line -Serving King Abdullah Road
The third and final phase of the Riyadh Metro project will begin on January 5th, 2025, and will see the rollout of the Orange Line, serving the Madinah Road Corridor.
Features of the Riyadh Metro
When complete, the Riyadh Metro will feature six lines: Blue, Red, Orange, Yellow, and Green, Purple/Violet.
All these six lines will be in operation by January 05, 2024. The six-line, spanning 85 stations, and a 176-kilometre (109-mile) network across the city is developed to transport over 3.6 million passengers at maximum capacity. It will operate on a fully automated (driverless) metro system, connecting key areas, including business hubs like KAFD and cultural landmarks.
Once fully open, the service is expected to be provided by 183 trains with 448 carriages, featuring an exclusive, modern, and unified design.
The opening of the Riyadh Metro will significantly enhance the public transportation ecosystem in the city and contribute to the development of the services and logistics sector even further.
Most importantly, it will increase the attraction of the location to work and set up a business in key and active and prominent business areas in Riyadh like KAFD (King Abdullah Financial District).
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has pledged to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2060, and the Royal Commission for Riyadh City confirms the metro project highlights the government's commitment to smart and sustainable urban development.
What The Riyadh Metro Project Means for KAFD
The Riyadh Metro project is expected to significantly improve traffic congestion in and around active areas in the capital city, such as the KAFD (Kind Abdullah Financial District), which is seen as a major hub for business and commercial activities.
The availability of efficient and reliable public transportation through this new metro system will enhance accessibility to the location. It reduces travel times and improves operational efficiency for all business stakeholders, from employees, clients, partners, and suppliers.
It will further improve the reputation of the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) by providing a reliable, convenient, and effortless transportation network to this prime business hub in Riyadh.
Businesses can also expand access to a wide talent pool by facilitating easier commutes without the hassle of traffic congestion.
With the completion of the project, the city can expect fewer people to rely on private vehicles, resulting in smoother traffic flow, less strain on road infrastructure, and, most of all, a reduction in air pollution. This will benefit both the local business environment and the overall quality of life in KAFD and the city as a whole.