There could soon be a train connecting Riyadh to Kuwait
Get on board…
A high-speed railway connecting Riyadh with Kuwait is on track, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The agreement was approved during a cabinet meeting held in NEOM city headed by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammad bin Salman.
This monumental project will establish a rapid rail connection between the capitals, Riyadh and Kuwait City, providing a swift and efficient mode of travel between the two major cities. While both cities are currently well-connected by air and road, the addition of a high-speed train service will significantly enhance transportation options, fostering opportunities to bolster tourism and strengthen economic ties between the two nations.
The Riyadh to Kuwait City high-speed rail project holds the potential to transform regional travel and contribute to the economic and cultural exchange between these two influential Gulf states.
As plans for this ambitious rail project progress, it marks a significant step forward in Saudi Arabia’s mission to modernise its transportation network, creating more accessible and efficient travel options for its citizens and visitors alike.
The project is expected to include the passenger terminal and cargo yard, as well as the border facility with Saudi Arabia, and it’s estimated that the length of the railway linking the two countries is about 115 kilometres.
We don’t know yet when construction is set to begin as Kuwait has only started the tendering process for Phase 1 of its national railway project. But stay tuned to What’s On Saudi Arabia for all the key updates.
Rail travel throughout Saudi Arabia
The only rail system available in Saudi Arabia is run by state-owned train company Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR). The company currently operates two standard passenger lines from Riyadh and a high-speed railway between Al Madinah and Makkah, known as the Haramain High Speed Railway. When it comes to high-speed railway, it seems as though the Haramain line is only the beginning in Saudi Arabia.
The North Train runs from Riyadh to Qurayyat, close to the northern border with Jordan, with stops in Al Majmaah, Hail, Qassim and Jouf. The journey passes through rocky mountains and into the sandy dunes of the Al Nafud Desert.
The East Train takes passengers from Riyadh to Dammam, with stops in Buqayq and Hofuf. This second stop is nestled in the heart of AlAhsa Oasis, a natural wonder filled with more than 2.5 million palm trees and best known as one of the world’s top date producers.
Meanwhile, the high-speed Haramain Train, a state-of-the-art rail service, offers convenience for both tourists and pilgrims. Inaugurated in 2018, the Haramain High Speed Railway is a 450-kilometre route that links travellers from Makkah to Al Madinah, passing through and stopping in the city of Jeddah as well. At a top speed of 300km/h, you can get where you need to be on time. During the Hajj pilgrimage, the Haramain Train serves as vital transportation, speeding pilgrims along their sacred journey with speed and efficiency.
Images: Unsplash / Haramain Railway