New Siemens train for Riyadh Metro

Siemens has unveiled its new metro trains that are destined for the world’s biggest mass transit project – Riyadh Metro.

A total of 74 two and four-car trains are being manufactured , the design of which has been developed from the Inspiro platform but with a more powerful air-conditioning system which is better suited to the extreme heat of Saudi Arabia.

Mechanical components such as bogies, traction motors, brakes and doors have also been upgraded to keep out the sand that is so prevalent in the area.

The first train is currently being tested for extreme conditions in the climatic wind tunnel at Rail Tec Arsenal (RTA) in Vienna. Testing running will begin in the spring at the Siemens Test and Validation Centre in Wegberg-Wildenrath, Germany.

Riyadh Metro will eventually have a total route length of 175 kilometers over six lines. Siemens’ involvement includes the trains, the electrification system, and the signalling and communication equipment for driverless operation on Lines 1 and 2. The company is also responsible for systems integration on these two lines, which cover a total of 64 route kilometres.

Lines 1 and 2 are being delivered by the BACS consortium (Bechtel, Almabani General Contractors, Consolidated Contractors Company and Siemens). Line 1, much of which will be underground, will run north to south through the centre of Riyadh, along the Olaya-Batha corridor, and will include 22 stations and four transfer stations which will interconnect with other new metro lines.

Line 2 will run for 25 kilometres east to west along King Abdullah Road with 13 stations and three transfer stations. 15km of the 25km total will be at grade, with some elevated sections.

Two other consortia will deliver the remaining four lines of the network.