Saudi Railways Organization

The Saudi Railways Organization provides passenger & freight services on two main lines totalling 1018 km. These connect Riyadh with the Persian Gulf port of Dammam. SRO passenger trains operate between Riyadh and Dammam. There are plans to extend the network to the Red Sea port of Jeddah and, eventually to the borders of Jordan, Yemen, and perhaps all the way to Egypt. The Saudi rail network consist of the following main lines: Line 1: Dammam - Abqaiq - Hofuf - Riyadh (449.11 km), used by passenger trains. Line 2: Dammam - Abqaiq - Hofuf - Haradh - Al Kharj - Riyadh (555.951 km), used by freight trains Dammam Port Line (12.854 km) Saudi Railway Organization is planning to expand the network. Projects include: The Saudi Landbridge, a 945 km line from Riyadh to Jeddah and a 115 km line from Dammam and Jubail, connecting the Persian Gulf with the Red Sea. The North South Railway from Riyadh via Buraidah, Hail and Al Jawf to Al Haditha, with a branch to Ras Azzwar on the Gulf coast and some minor branches to bauxite and phosphate mines. This will mainly be for mineral transport, but general freight and passenger transport is also planned. The Haramain High Speed Rail Project or Western Railway linking Mecca and Medina, and connecting with the network at Jeddah. This will provide a safe and comfortable means of transport for Hajj pilgrims arriving via Jeddah. Construction works is due to start in March 2009 and 320 km/h electric trains are planned.