Infrastructure

Saudi Arabia’s $7bn Landbridge Railway Takes Shape

The railway is poised to transform Saudi Arabia’s transport and trade.

Updated on

November 3, 2025

Saudi Landbridge Railway — Completion of the new railway is expected by 2030. (Photo: Courtesy)

Saudi Arabia’s $7 billion Landbridge railway is finally taking shape, bringing the kingdom’s ambitious vision closer to reality across more than 1,400km of new and upgraded track.

The new railway aims to connect the kingdom’s main industrial centres, ports, and logistics hubs, transforming the way both goods and people move across the country.

Authorities project that the Saudi Landbridge railway could cut transportation costs by $4.2 billion annually while creating around 200,000 jobs in related industries.

The project will build a 950 km railway from Riyadh to Jeddah, a 146 km branch to King Abdullah Port, a 115 km line from Dammam to Jubail, a 172 km link to Yanbu, plus upgrades and a Riyadh bypass.

Completion of the new railway is expected by 2030.

According to Saleh Al‑Jasser, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport & Logistics, the project is one of the kingdom’s most important infrastructure initiatives, linking key cities, ports, and airports.

“It provides attractive opportunities for the private sector and is considered an outlet for the projects and initiatives included in the National Strategy for Transport and Logistics Services,” Al‑Jasser said.

A key early phase of the Saudi Landbridge railway project is the Riyadh rail link, a 35km line stretching from the northern to southern parts of the city.

Saudi Arabia Railways has invited leading contractors to submit expressions of interest to develop this section, which will connect the North–South Railway with the Eastern Railway Network.

The contract includes construction of viaducts, signalling systems, utilities, and civil works, all designed to meet international standards and integrate the new Landbridge network with existing lines.

The project is being delivered by the Saudi China Landbridge Consortium, a partnership between Saudi Arabia Railways and China Civil Engineering Construction Company, with local support from Al‑Ayuni Contracting.

International firms involved include Systra, Thales, WSP, Aldhabaan & Partners/Eversheds Sutherland, ALG Infrastructure, and Calx Consultancy. Project management services are provided by Hill International (US), Italferr (Italy), and Sener (Spain).

Upon completion by 203, the Saudi Landbridge railway project will form a vital backbone for Saudi Arabia’s industrial and logistics strategy, connecting ports, airports, and cities and unlocking new investment.