RIYADH — The Saudi Land Bridge project has seen significant progress after the Spanish firm Sener won the design contract.
The contract was awarded following a competitive bidding process launched by the Saudi Railway Company (SAR) in 2025, with bids being evaluated until the end of last year, according to MEED magazine.
The move represents a major milestone in the Kingdom’s railway program, as this reflects a renewed momentum for the long-awaited project, which aims to connect the Red Sea to the Arabian Gulf, thus bolstering the Kingdom’s logistical ambitions within the framework of Vision 2030.
The selection of Sener underscores its role as a key technical contributor to the project’s implementation, even though the initial design framework was previously developed by the Italian firm Italferr.
The project spans approximately 1,500 kilometers, connecting Jeddah on the Red Sea to Dammam and Jubail on the Arabian Gulf. This will significantly reduce freight transit times and enhance the efficiency of trade along the Kingdom’s industrial corridors.
Passenger trains are planned to reach speeds of up to 250 kilometers per hour, while freight trains will reach speeds of up to 160 kilometers per hour, enhancing operational efficiency.
The project is currently in an advanced planning phase, with the new design contract supporting the development of engineering concepts and detailed designs.
The relevant authorities have adopted a phased implementation model, replacing a single large-scale public-private partnership, to enhance flexibility and accelerate execution. Project management remains under the umbrella of a consortium comprising Hill International, Italferr, and Sener, allowing for the integration of global expertise in engineering, implementation strategies, and program management.
Current work builds upon previous designs completed in 2017, incorporating updates to routes, operating systems, and construction packages. This paves the way for the awarding of multiple design and build contracts, including one for connecting the railway to Riyadh.
The project represents a cornerstone in the Kingdom’s transformation into a global logistics hub, connecting major ports with inland cities and facilitating the movement of goods between Asia, Europe, and Africa.
The project also contributes to reducing reliance on maritime routes around the Arabian Peninsula, providing a faster and safer alternative. This aligns with the goals of Vision 2030 to diversify the economy by supporting job creation, attracting foreign investment, and strengthening infrastructure.
Source: Saudi Gazette