Riyadh: Saudi Arabia is about to make history with the world's largest single-phase metro project, set to begin operations this year. Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, Saleh Al-Jasser, announced that the Riyadh Metro will boast six lines, 84 stations, and a massive daily capacity of 1.7 million passengers. This monumental project, part of the King Abdulaziz Project for Riyadh Public Transport, is set to revolutionise the city’s transit system.
An extensive transit network
The Riyadh Metro is not just about adding new trains; it’s about transforming the city’s entire public transport ecosystem. This extensive network will seamlessly integrate with 80 bus routes, 2,860 bus stops, and 842 buses. The metro lines will cover key areas, from King Khalid International Airport to the bustling King Abdullah Financial District, and will connect major universities, commercial centres, and healthcare facilities.
Detailed line and station layout
Stretching over 176 kilometres, the metro network will include six vibrant lines:
- Blue Line: A 38-kilometre stretch along Al-Olaya, Al-Batha, and Al-Hayer roads.
- Red Line: Covering 25.3 kilometres along King Abdullah Road.
- Orange Line: A 40.7-kilometre route along Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah Road and Prince Saad Bin Abdurrahman I Road.
- Yellow Line: Extending 29.6 kilometers along King Khalid International Airport Road.
- Green Line: A 12.9-kilometre line along King Abdulaziz Road.
- Violet Line: Spanning 30 kilometres along Abdurrahman Bin Awf Road and Sheikh Hassan Bin Hussain Bin Ali Road.
Riyadh gets a new addition. Image credits: MiddleEastConstructionNews
Major hubs and enhanced services
The metro will feature four key stations strategically located in high-traffic areas, offering a range of services including parking, ticket sales, shopping, and customer support:
- Qasr Al-Hukm District
- King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD)
- Western Metro Station
- STC Station
With its impressive scale and cutting-edge infrastructure, the Riyadh Metro is set to redefine urban travel, creating a model for future metropolitan transit systems and significantly enhancing daily commutes across the city.