Saudi Arabia's Royal Commission for Riyadh City has officially awarded the contract for expanding the Red Line of the Riyadh Metro. This move adds a significant 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.
Enhanced Connectivity for Riyadh
The project aims to enhance accessibility and link key parts of the Saudi capital with the Diriyah Gate Development project. Diriyah Gate represents 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 extend from King Saud University westward into the Diriyah Gate area. This extension will create five new stops. Two stations will serve King Saud University, while three will be located in Diriyah itself. One of these Diriyah stations is designed as a future interchange with the planned Line 7.
Construction Details and Timeline
Construction will involve approximately 7.1 kilometres of underground tunnels and 1.3 kilometres of elevated track. The project is expected to take around six years to complete. This timeline reflects the complexity of urban infrastructure development in a growing metropolis.
Strategic Link to Heritage and Tourism
One key motivation behind the extension is strengthening Riyadh's urban transport ecosystem. Improving connectivity to Diriyah holds particular importance. Diriyah is a district of historical significance and a flagship component of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 development strategy.
Diriyah was once the original capital of the Saudi state. It now holds UNESCO World Heritage site status. Authorities are transforming it into a leading cultural and tourism hub. Integrating Diriyah into the metro network via the Red Line will make it easier for residents and visitors to reach prominent destinations.
These destinations include the Al-Turaif district, Al-Bajiri district and the Diriyah Opera House. Officials emphasize that the project will play a vital role in reducing road congestion and travel times for commuters.
Expected Travel Time Improvements
For example, journeys from central Riyadh stations such as STC Station to Diriyah are expected to take less than 15 minutes. Trips from districts like the King Abdullah Financial District will likely be under 20 minutes once the extension becomes operational. This aligns with broader goals to shift more residents toward sustainable public transport options.
International Consortium Awarded Contract
The contract for the Red Line extension has been awarded to an international consortium. Webuild Group, a major global infrastructure player with a longstanding presence in Saudi Arabia, leads this consortium. The consortium includes India's Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Saudi's NESMA and France's Alstom.
This partnership combines expertise in engineering, construction and rail systems. Under the agreement, the new extension will fully integrate into the existing driverless metro network. The Riyadh Metro spans six lines and is recognized as one of the world's longest fully automated urban rail systems.
This integration ensures the new segment will work seamlessly with Riyadh's broader public transport infrastructure. Ridership has soared since the metro's initial phases opened. Officials point out that the metro's convenience and efficiency have helped it become a backbone of Riyadh's mobility landscape.
New Stations and Improved Access
The Red Line extension project reflects Riyadh's ambitious urban transformation goals under Vision 2030. This blueprint seeks to diversify the economy, enhance quality of life and build sustainable infrastructure. By expanding and modernizing its metro network, Riyadh addresses current transportation needs while preparing for future growth.
The city's population and economic activity continue to rise. As part of the larger Riyadh Public Transport Project, the Red Line extension demonstrates the city's commitment to modern, efficient and environmentally friendly mobility solutions. These solutions link residents with education, culture, work and leisure with minimal reliance on private vehicles.
Specific Station Purposes
Riyadh Metro currently operates six lines: Blue, Orange, Yellow, Red, Green and Purple. These lines 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 will serve the medical city, health colleges and main campus areas.
- Three stations in Diriyah will connect heritage and development zones directly to Riyadh's public transport grid.
- One Diriyah station is planned as a key interchange with the future Line 7.
These additions will bring public transit closer to new residential and commercial developments. They expand the metro's reach to educational, cultural, and healthcare centres. This expansion encourages broader adoption of mass transit throughout the capital.
Transformative Impact on Riyadh
With construction now officially underway, the Riyadh Metro Red Line extension promises transformative impact. Adding five new stations and greatly enhancing access to Diriyah Gate's historic and cultural hubs will boost mobility. The project will reduce travel times and support the capital's broader goals for sustainable urban living.
It also paves the way for future network expansion. This development represents a significant step in Saudi Arabia's ongoing infrastructure modernization efforts. The project aligns with national objectives to improve urban living standards and promote sustainable development.
