Saudi Arabia invites private firms to partner in rail projects

Saudi Arabia's Public Transport Authority (PTA) has invited private companies to participate in the construction and operation of railway transport services, MEED reported.

The main areas in which the PTA is seeking private sector participation include operation of freight and passenger services, management and maintenance of passenger stations, management and maintenance of dry ports, and the maintenance of rolling stock.

The existing assets that the government is inviting companies to express interest for are the Riyadh-Dammam Railway and the North-South Railway.

It could also include the operation of future projects like the GCC Rail, the agency reported.

The solicitation of interest does not include the train operations and rolling stock services for the Haramain High Speed Rail, and the management and operation of existing dry port facilities – such as the one in Riyadh.

For the companies that express interest, an event is planned to be held in Riyadh in September.

The PTA says it is coordinating its plans with railway companies and stakeholders such as Saudi Railways Organization and the Saudi Railway Company, along with Ministry of Transport, Public Investment Fund (PIF), and Ministry of Economy and Planning.