RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) has signed contracts for the purchase of 94 new trains to expand the Riyadh Metro fleet.
The purchase is part of early preparations to meet the expected growth in mobility demand, keep pace with Riyadh’s urban development and future transport needs, expand the metro network’s destinations, and support major projects and global events, particularly Expo 2030 Riyadh and the FIFA World Cup 2034, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Tuesday.
The expansion will increase the number of trains in the Riyadh Metro fleet from 183 to 277, with deliveries scheduled to begin in phases in 2028.
As #Riyadh continues to grow, the #RiyadhMetro fleet will expand with the addition of 94 new train sets, increasing the network’s overall capacity by 60%. This expansion will strengthen the network’s ability to accommodate rising passenger demand and support the city’s continued urban growth.
— الهيئة الملكية لمدينة الرياض (@RCRCSA) October 13, 2026
New trains to boost metro network capacity by 60%
The new trains are expected to boost the network’s overall capacity by 60%, with additional capacity allocated across individual lines based on passenger numbers and projected demand.
Capacity will increase by 142% on the Red Line, 116% on the Yellow Line, 60% on the Blue Line, 27% on the Orange Line and 16% on the Purple Line.
The Riyadh Metro was designed from the outset to accommodate additional trains and allow its capacity to expand gradually in line with growing passenger demand.
The fleet expansion comes as the network continues to record rising ridership, having carried more than 300 million passengers since operations began.
The average number of passengers from January to September 2026 increased by approximately 25% compared with the same period in 2025.
Siemens and Alstom will implement fleet expansion contracts
Germany’s Siemens and France’s Alstom will implement the fleet expansion contracts, which are valued at nearly SAR 5.5 billion in total. The contracts cover a comprehensive range of project-related works and services, including train and system manufacturing, integration and fitting out.
The trains will be delivered in line with the manufacturing stages, then undergo testing and operational trials before being gradually brought into service as each batch is ready.
This investment is part of RCRC’s efforts to develop the capital’s mobility system in an integrated manner, focusing on three areas: the road and intersection network, public transport, and traffic management. This keeps pace with the city’s population and urban growth and enhances infrastructure readiness to meet Riyadh’s future needs.
