Prime Highlights
- Saudi Arabia awards Landbridge railway design contract to Sener.
- Project aims to boost trade and logistics under Vision 2030.
Key Facts
- The Landbridge will span about 1,500 km connecting Red Sea and Gulf coasts.
- Saudi Railway Company is leading the project’s development and execution.
Background
Saudi Arabia has moved ahead with its long-planned Landbridge railway project by awarding the main design contract to Sener. The primary goal of the project is to connect the Red Sea to the Arabian Gulf, while strengthening the logistics network of the country.
The contract was awarded by the Saudi Railway Company, marking fresh progress for the multi-billion-dollar rail corridor. The project plays a key role in the country’s Vision 2030 plan to become a global logistics hub.
The Landbridge will extend for approximately 1,500 km by connecting Jeddah on the Red Sea to Dammam and Jubail, which are located on the Gulf coast. The project includes the construction of 950 km of railway tracks between Jeddah and Riyadh, together with the installation of a 115 km railway link which connects Dammam with Jubail. Existing rail lines will be upgraded.
The design contract follows a competitive process that began in 2025. Sener will build on earlier work completed by Italferr, which remains part of the project.
The Saudi Railway Company will construct the railway, which is currently in its planning phase, through multiple construction stages. The project will release construction tenders in multiple phases, which will follow the progress of design completion until 2034.
The travelling speed of passenger trains is expected to be above 250 km/h, while freight trains can run with a total speed of 160 km/h. The project will decrease travel times between major ports and industrial areas while enhancing cargo transportation efficiency.
The Landbridge will enhance trade activities and establish better connections, which will contribute to economic development.
