Riyadh Metro Line 2 Extension to Diriyah: $900M Deal

Riyadh Metro Line 2 Extension: $900M Contract Transforms Transportation

Updated on July 23, 2025

Riyadh Metro reaches a decisive milestone. The Line 2 extension contract award marks the first network expansion since its inauguration last January.

Extension Contract Details

The Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) has awarded this strategic contract to the Arriyadh New Mobility Consortium (ANMC). This international alliance brings together major railway sector players.

The consortium includes world-renowned companies:

• Webuild (Italy) - engineering leader
• Larsen & Toubro (India) - construction expertise
• Nesma (Saudi Arabia) - local partner
• Alstom - railway technologies
• Hitachi STS (Italy) - signaling systems

According to MEED, the contract value ranges between $800-900 million USD.

 Extension Technical Features

Route and Dimensions

The extension will add 8.4 kilometers to the existing 24.2km Line 2. The new segment will start from King Saud University (KSU), the current southwestern terminus.

The route will pass through KSU Medical City before reaching its final destination at Diriyah. This strategic connection will strengthen connectivity between university areas and Diriyah's historic center.

Infrastructure and Stations

The physical structure combines two configurations:

• 7 kilometers underground to cross dense urban areas
• 3 kilometers elevated to optimize costs and environmental impact

Five new stations will be built along the route, providing strategic access points for passengers.

 Future Interconnection with Line 7

The extension integrates a long-term network vision. At Diriyah Central, it will enable interchange with the future Line 7, currently in tender phase.

This interconnection will transform Diriyah into a major transport hub, facilitating inter-line travel for Riyadh's 7 million inhabitants.

 Project Supervision and Management

Supervision will be handled by Riyadh Metro Transit Consultants (RMTC), an expert joint venture comprising:

• Parsons (USA) - transport engineering
• Egis (France) - infrastructure consulting
• Systra (France) - metro and urban transport expertise

 Metropolitan Network Context

Riyadh Metro represents one of the most ambitious transport projects in the Middle East. The complete network spans 176 kilometers with 85 stations across six lines.

Opened in phases since December 2024, it serves a rapidly growing metropolitan population, meeting Saudi Vision 2030 objectives.

 Urban Development Impact

This extension aligns with Saudi public transport modernization strategy. It will enhance Diriyah's attractiveness as a UNESCO heritage site and future major tourist destination.