Riyadh Metro Red Line Extension to Add 8.4 km Track with Indian Consortium Involvement
The Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) has announced plans for an 8.4-kilometer extension of the Riyadh Metro's Red Line, a project designed to significantly reduce reliance on private vehicles, alleviate traffic congestion, and enhance the overall quality of life in the Saudi capital. This expansion is part of broader efforts to develop a sustainable urban transport ecosystem in Riyadh.
Route and Station Details of the Extension
The Riyadh Metro Red Line Extension will connect King Saud University to the Diriyah Gate Development project, featuring five new stations to improve connectivity between vital areas, residential communities, and key centers such as educational, cultural, and healthcare facilities. According to RCRC, the route will include:
- Two stations at King Saud University, with one serving the medical city and health colleges and the other catering to the university concourse.
- Three additional stations in Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the first Saudi capital, including one planned as a future interchange with Line 7.
In a statement, Ibrahim Al-Sultan, Minister of State, Cabinet Member, and CEO of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, emphasized that this project enhances the city's public transport network and completes efforts to link Riyadh's key centers and landmarks.
Construction and Timeline of the Project
The construction of the Riyadh Metro Red Line Extension involves building 7.1 kilometers of deep underground tunnels, 1.3 kilometers of elevated tracks, and the new stations. The project is scheduled for completion in approximately six years, aiming to integrate seamlessly with the existing metro system.
This extension is part of the Guinness World Records longest driverless Metro Network, which was launched by RCRC last December. The network spans 176 kilometers across six driverless lines, representing one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects globally.
Indian Connection in the Construction Consortium
The construction of the Riyadh Metro Red Line Extension will be executed by a consortium led by Webuild, which includes India's Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Saudi Arabia's Nesma, and France's Alstom. The RCRC awarded the project to this consortium last month, highlighting the international collaboration involved in this major infrastructure development.
Webuild noted in a release that the project scope includes integrating the new section with the entire driverless system, underscoring its role in advancing Riyadh's public transport capabilities and supporting sustainable urban growth in the Middle East.
