Saudi Landbridge Railway: $7 Billion Project Transforming Saudi Logistics

Saudi Arabia is deploying one of the Middle East's most ambitious railway projects to transform its national logistics network. The Saudi Landbridge Railway, estimated at $7 billion, aims to connect the Red Sea to the Persian Gulf via a freight corridor spanning over 1,500 kilometers, with the Riyadh Rail Link as its strategic initial component.

Updated on September 17, 2025

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is taking a decisive step in achieving its Vision 2030 goals with the launch of the Saudi Landbridge Railway Project. This colossal $7 billion railway program is integral to the country's economic diversification strategy and ambition to become a global logistics hub. The project comprises more than 1,500 kilometers of new track, with a core component being a 900-kilometer new railway between Riyadh and Jeddah, providing direct freight access from King Abdullah Port on the Red Sea to the capital.

The Grand Vision: Understanding the Saudi Landbridge Railway Project

A Cornerstone of Saudi Vision 2030 Logistics

The Kingdom plans to expand its national railway network by over 50 percent, increasing its length from approximately 5,300 kilometers to over 8,000 kilometers. This massive expansion positions the Saudi Landbridge as one of the "kingdom's most ambitious programs" and a "project of strategic dimension" according to Saudi authorities.

The initiative directly supports Saudi Arabia's broader Vision 2030 strategy, the government program launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to diversify the Saudi economy beyond oil and transform the country into a regional logistics hub.

Unprecedented Scale: Over 1,500km of New Track

The project comprises more than 1,500 kilometers of new track, with its core component being a 900-kilometer new railway between Riyadh and Jeddah. This main connection will provide the capital with direct freight access from King Abdullah Port on the Red Sea.

The program also includes a 115-kilometer track between Dammam and Jubail, as well as upgrades to the existing link between Riyadh and Dammam. These strategic connections will transform freight movement across the kingdom.

Direct Freight Access: Connecting Ports to the Capital

Once completed, the network will provide direct rail access from the capital to the kingdom's strategic ports. The railway will connect key logistics hubs including Jeddah, Riyadh, Dammam, King Khalid Airport, Jubail, King Abdullah Port, and Yanbu, bolstering multimodal freight movement across air, sea, and land.

The Riyadh Rail Link: An Integral First Step

Bridging Key Networks: North-South and Eastern Railways

The Riyadh Rail Link comprises a 35-kilometer double-track railway line that will connect Saudi Arabia Railways' (SAR) North-South railway with the Eastern Railway Network. This crucial connection is essential for enhancing national freight movement.

The project represents a strategic link enabling smooth freight circulation between different regions of the kingdom, thereby optimizing national logistics flows.

Comprehensive Infrastructure Development Across Riyadh

The contract covers construction of the new railway line and procurement, construction, and installation of associated infrastructure. Key components include viaducts, civil works, utility installations, signaling systems, and other associated works.

This integrated approach ensures the creation of modern railway infrastructure meeting the most demanding international standards.

Driving the Project: Developers, Managers, and Funding

Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR): The Visionary Client

Development is managed by Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) as the primary client authority. The public organization oversees the entire program and coordinates with international partners to ensure achievement of strategic objectives.

International Expertise Steering the Course

Project management teams Hill International (US), Italferr (Italy), and Sener (Spain) were awarded project management contracts in December 2023. This international collaboration brings world-class technical expertise to the project.

Funding a Future: Government and Partner Investments

Total program cost is estimated at $7 billion for the entire Landbridge program. Funding is delivered under Saudi government funding with participation from international contractors. The project is expected to attract private-sector and foreign partners for freight and operations.

A Project of Resilience: Overcoming Delays and Reigniting Momentum

A Longstanding Ambition: From 2004 to Revival in 2011

The Saudi Landbridge was first announced in 2004, put on hold in 2010, and then revived a year later in 2011. This timeline illustrates the complex challenges inherent in infrastructure projects of this magnitude.

Addressing Key Stumbling Blocks: Rights-of-Way and High Costs

Key issues included rights-of-way, route alignment, and the project's high cost. Despite revived momentum, there remains a "risk of further delays" according to industry observers, necessitating rigorous deadline management.

Latest Developments: Prequalification and Future Outlook

Extended Prequalification Deadline for Riyadh Rail Link

Saudi Arabia's SAR has extended the prequalification deadline for contractors and consultants to September 28, 2025. This extension is for "design review and construction supervision" for the Riyadh rail link project.

A Global-Scale Project with Transformative Potential

If it proceeds, the Landbridge will be "one of the largest railway projects ever undertaken in the Middle East" and "among the biggest globally." The Saudi Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services believes that investing in rail could lead to significant economic benefits, including saving up to $4.2 billion in transportation costs annually and generating 200,000 jobs in related sectors.