SAR Tenders 10 New Trains: Saudi Rail Capacity to Triple

SAR seeks bids for 10 new passenger trains, aiming to triple capacity on its Northern Network. This supports Saudi Vision 2030 and economic diversification efforts.

January 22, 2026 5:39 am

🛑 Key Takeaways:

Saudi Arabian Railway Co. (SAR) has issued a tender for 10 new passenger trains for its Northern Network.
The expansion aims to nearly triple current operational capacity, targeting over 2.4 million seats annually.
This procurement is a key component of Saudi Vision 2030, building critical infrastructure to support economic diversification away from oil.

RIYADH, KSA – The Saudi Arabian Railway Company (SAR) has opened a public tender for the design, manufacture, supply, and maintenance of 10 new passenger trains. The initiative is designed to meet rapidly growing travel demand on the Kingdom’s 2,700 km Northern Network. Bids from rolling stock manufacturers are due by May 11, 2026, as SAR pushes to expand its transport capacity in line with the country’s ambitious Vision 2030 economic development plan.

Category	Specification / Detail
Project	Northern Network Passenger Fleet Expansion
Purchaser	Saudi Arabian Railway Company (SAR)
Quantity	10 new passenger trainsets
Tender Scope	Design, Manufacture, Supply, and Maintenance Services
Bid Submission Deadline	May 11, 2026
Stated Goal	Increase annual seat capacity to over 2.4 million (~3x current level)

Operational & Technical Details

SAR has not yet released specific technical specifications for the new rolling stock. The tender’s scope, however, includes long-term maintenance, indicating a focus on operational readiness and asset sustainability. SAR CEO Bashar Al-Malik confirmed the new trains will directly address growing intercity travel demand.

For comparison, SAR recently contracted Stadler in February 2024 for trains on its Eastern Line. That EUR 648 million deal was for units measuring 175 meters in length with a capacity of 320 passengers each. This new tender for the Northern Network represents another significant opportunity for global manufacturers.

Market Impact Analysis

This tender is a direct implementation of Saudi Arabia’s National Transport and Logistics Strategy. The expansion is not just about moving people; it is about building the logistical backbone for a diversified economy. The Northern Network connects Riyadh to key cities like Hail and Al-Jouf, regions central to the country’s massive $110 billion mining and industrial investment plans led by state-controlled firms like Ma’aden.

By tripling passenger capacity, SAR is facilitating workforce mobility and business connectivity required to support new industrial hubs and megaprojects. This move strengthens the domestic transport infrastructure, making the Kingdom a more integrated and competitive market. It signals continued, high-value public investment, attracting bids from major international rolling stock suppliers seeking to secure a foothold in the growing Gulf rail market.

FAQ: Quick Facts

What is the main value of this contract?

The total contract value has not been disclosed in the tender announcement. For context, a recent SAR contract with Stadler for a similar number of trains was valued at approximately EUR 648 million.

When is the expected delivery date?

The tender documents do not specify a delivery or in-service date. The deadline for manufacturers to submit their bids is May 11, 2026.