Makkah | BETH

Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) signed an agreement with Spain’s Talgo to supply 20 new trains for the Haramain High-Speed Rail fleet, as part of plans to increase operational capacity and improve service quality on one of the Kingdom’s busiest rail corridors.

The agreement aims to enhance operational readiness during peak seasons—particularly Hajj and Umrah—improve service reliability and timetable adherence, and upgrade the passenger experience in terms of comfort, safety, and seamless mobility between Makkah and Madinah, via Jeddah and King Abdullah Economic City.

Additional Information

Operational Objective: Increase passenger capacity and reduce waiting times during seasonal peaks.

Service Impact: Improve service reliability and overall passenger experience on the line.

Strategic Dimension: Support the integration of high-speed public transport with airports and urban transit networks.

Operational Value: Enhance fleet flexibility to better respond to fluctuating demand throughout the year.

BETH Comment

The addition of 20 new trains to the Haramain High-Speed Rail fleet reflects a shift in transport management from merely securing service continuity to maximizing efficiency and user experience across critical mobility corridors serving millions of pilgrims annually. The real added value will lie in smart capacity management and seamless timetable integration with airports and urban transit systems, positioning the line as a backbone for pilgrim and visitor mobility year-round.