SAR, Stadler sign contracts to buy 10 trains

The signing ceremony

Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) signed a contract with Stadler Rail AG for the supply and maintenance of 10 next generation trains  for the East network, with the possibility of adding 10 other trains.

The contract was signed by Bashar AlMalik, CEO of SAR and Peter Spuhler, Chairman of Stadler.

The trains will double the annual capacity of the East network to more than 3.8 million passengers and allow direct trains from Riyadh to Dammam (Express) to meet growing demand for journeys between the Kingdom’s two major cities.

The new trains will provide full service for the East network through increasing the seat capacity per train, raise the number of daily trips and the annual capacity of the network.

The new trains will be designed in line with the highest international standards to provide safe and comfortable trips. The new trains will be delivered to begin operations in 2027 with a capacity of up to 340 seats each.

Swiss railway rolling stock manufacturer Stadler is a specialized entity in the modern train manufacturing industry. Established in 1942, Stadler's factories are considered the third-largest train manufacturing facilities in Europe.