In the capital of Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest automated Metro system is currently under construction and will soon become a symbol of modern Er-Riyada. The new metro system, spanning a total length of 176 km, commenced operations on December 1 with the opening of three lines. An additional line is set to start in January, followed by the remaining two lines soon after. The system aims to connect key areas of the city, business centers, and cultural attractions, with a total of 85 stations spread throughout the network.
One particular station that stands out is the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), designed by Zaha Hadid Architects. The distinctive curved lattice structure of the building helps reduce the impact of the sun, while the layout inside ensures convenient navigation for passengers.
Once all lines are operational, the metro system is projected to carry 3.6 million passengers daily. This initiative is part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to ease traffic congestion in Riyadh and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 12.5 million tons annually. The project aligns with the country’s broader infrastructure development and climate change mitigation goals.
The metro system is serviced by 116 modern electric trains from Alstom Metropolis and Innovia Metro. These trains are automated, requiring no manual intervention from a driver. The carriages are divided into three classes – first class, family, and single passenger – with features like ergonomic seating, air conditioning, LED lighting, and a state-of-the-art passenger information system.
Safety measures are also paramount within the metro system, which includes automatic train door opening, platform barriers to prevent access onto the tracks, and advanced signaling technologies for speed control.
Looking ahead, Saudi Arabia is not only focused on large-scale projects like Neom aimed at transforming the country into a hub for tourism and technology but also on enhancing its global reputation. The country is gearing up to bid for the hosting rights of the 2034 World Cup, a move expected to attract millions of tourists and further elevate Saudi Arabia’s standing on the world stage.