Saudi Arabia’s Metro Boom Gets an Indian Boost as L&T Joins Billion Dollar Riyadh Red Line Project
Saudi Arabia’s Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) has officially awarded the contract to expand the Red Line of the Riyadh Metro, adding a major new dimension to the Kingdom’s rapidly evolving public transport network. The expansion will extend the existing Red Line by 8.4 kilometres and include five new stations, enhancing accessibility and linking key parts of the Saudi capital with the Diriyah Gate Development project, a major cultural, heritage and tourism destination.The Red Line, also known as Line 2 of the metro network, currently runs along King Abdullah Road and serves major urban districts. Under the new plan, the line will be extended from King Saud University westward into the Diriyah Gate area, creating five new stops including two at the university and three in Diriyah itself with one designed as a future interchange with the planned Line 7. Construction will involve approximately 7.1 km of underground tunnels and 1.3 km of elevated track, and the project is expected to take around six years to complete.
Riyadh Metro’s strategic link to heritage and tourism
One of the key motivations behind the extension is to strengthen Riyadh’s urban transport ecosystem and improve connectivity to Diriyah, a district of historical significance and a flagship component of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 development strategy. Diriyah, once the original capital of the Saudi state and now a UNESCO World Heritage site, is being transformed into a leading cultural and tourism hub. Integrating it into the metro network via the Red Line will make it easier for residents and visitors to reach prominent destinations like the Al-Turaif district, Al-Bajiri district and the Diriyah Opera House.Officials have emphasised that the project will play a vital role in reducing road congestion and travel times for commuters. For example, journeys from central Riyadh stations such as STC Station to Diriyah are expected to take less than 15 minutes and trips from districts like the King Abdullah Financial District will likely be under 20 minutes once the extension is operational. This aligns with broader goals to shift more residents toward sustainable public transport options.
Riyadh Metro awarded to a global consortium
The contract for the Red Line extension has been awarded to an international consortium led by Webuild Group, a major global infrastructure player with a longstanding presence in Saudi Arabia. The consortium includes India’s Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Saudi’s NESMA and France’s Alstom, combining expertise in engineering, construction and rail systems. Under the agreement, the new extension will be fully integrated into the existing driverless metro network, which spans six lines and is recognised as one of the world’s longest fully automated urban rail systems. This integration ensures that the new segment will work seamlessly with Riyadh’s broader public transport infrastructure, which has seen ridership soar since its initial phases opened. Officials have pointed out that the metro’s convenience and efficiency have helped it become a backbone of Riyadh’s mobility landscape, with millions of passengers already using the network since its launch.
Riyadh Metro’s new stations and improved access
The Red Line extension project reflects Riyadh’s ambitious urban transformation goals under Vision 2030, a blueprint that seeks to diversify the economy, enhance quality of life and build sustainable infrastructure. By expanding and modernising its metro network, Riyadh is not only addressing current transportation needs but also preparing for future growth as the city’s population and economic activity continue to rise.As part of the larger Riyadh Public Transport Project, the Red Line extension is a testament to the city’s commitment to modern, efficient and environmentally friendly mobility solutions that link residents with education, culture, work and leisure with minimal reliance on private vehicles.Riyadh Metro currently has six lines, including Blue, Orange, Yellow, Red, Green and Purple lines that link different parts of the Saudi capital. The five new stations within the Red line extension each serve specific strategic purposes:
- Two stations at King Saud University (KSU) serving the medical city, health colleges and main campus areas.
- Three stations in Diriyah connecting the heritage and development zones directly to Riyadh’s public transport grid, including one planned as a key interchange with the future Line 7.
These additions will bring public transit closer to new residential and commercial developments, expanding the metro’s reach to educational, cultural, and healthcare centres and encouraging broader adoption of mass transit throughout the capital.With construction now officially underway, the Riyadh Metro Red Line extension promises to be a transformative addition to the city’s transport infrastructure. By adding five new stations and greatly enhancing access to Diriyah Gate’s historic and cultural hubs, the project will boost mobility, reduce travel times and support the capital’s broader goals for sustainable urban living, all while paving the way for future network expansion. Go to Source
