Saudi Arabia's Minister of Investment Khalid A. Al Falih has announced an ambitious plan to expand the Riyadh Metro network in collaboration with several French companies, at a total investment of more than €20 billion ($21 billion), according to a LinkedIn Post by Mohammed AlQahtani, CEO of Saudi Arabia Holding Co.

 

This expansion aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aiming to enhance the capital’s infrastructure with sustainable and advanced transportation solutions for residents and visitors.

 

The expansion would include the seventh line of the Riyadh Metro, which has garnered significant interest, with the High Commission for the Development of Riyadh prequalifying companies to compete for its design and construction. 

 

Spanning about 65km, this metro line will have 19 stations, 14 of which will be built underground and five overground. It will link Qiddiya Entertainment City, King Abdullah International Gardens, King Salman Park, New Murabba, Misk City and Diriyah Gate. 

 

The current Riyadh Metro project, being built at a cost of $22.5 billion, stands as one of the largest infrastructure projects in the world, spanning 176km and featuring 85 stations.

 

The proposed plan will see the development of a network nearly equivalent to the current size connecting all Riyadh neighborhoods through an integrated transportation system.

 

However, AlQahtani quoted Al Falih as saying that this expansion is not merely an addition to the existing network; it marks a leap towards creating a world-class transportation system.

 

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aims to position Riyadh among the top 10 global economic cities by 2030, up from its current 40th rank, while increasing its population from 7.5 million to 15-20 million, he added.-TradeArabia News Service