The highly anticipated Riyadh Metro, Saudi Arabia’s inaugural underground railway, has officially commenced operations, heralding a new era of urban mobility in the capital. Initially expected to serve 1.2 million passengers daily, the metro aims to eventually accommodate up to 3.6 million passengers, significantly easing congestion in the rapidly growing city.
The massive infrastructure project was executed by the BACS consortium, comprising Bechtel, Almabani General Contractors, Consolidated Contractors Company, and Siemens. The consortium was tasked with the design, construction, and integration of the Blue Line (Line 1) and the upcoming Red Line (Line 2).
“The Riyadh Metro will transform travel in Saudi Arabia by offering a more sustainable and efficient mode of transportation for millions of people,” stated Darren Mort, President of Bechtel’s Infrastructure division. Mort highlighted the technical challenges overcome during the project, underscoring the skill and ingenuity involved in its completion.
The project, featuring 85 stations across six lines, is being rolled out in phases. The Blue Line, partially open, traverses north to south through downtown Riyadh, featuring key stations such as the iconic King Abdullah Financial District Station. This station’s design, with its notable undulating roof, represents a landmark in urban architecture.
According to estimates, the Riyadh Metro aims to elevate the public transport share in the city from a mere 2% to an ambitious 18% by 2030, signifying a major shift towards sustainable urban transport solutions.
Brendan Bechtel, Chairman and CEO of Bechtel, remarked, “Since breaking ground in 2014, the Riyadh Metro has been not only the world’s largest rail project under construction but also one of the largest in Bechtel’s history. Covering an area larger than New York City, it marks a major milestone in Riyadh’s journey toward a more connected and sustainable future.”
Bechtel has a longstanding relationship with Saudi Arabia, contributing to the development of critical infrastructure over the past 80 years. This latest venture underscores the company’s commitment to fostering Saudi Arabia’s vision for a modern and sustainable urban environment.
