Saudi railways to undergo safety review

The proposed Al-Haramain project

After the flash floods the region suffered last month, the General Organization of Railways has announced they are to review the construction of bridges, tunnels and train lines for the Al-Haramain Train Project.

The President of the General Organization of Railways, Abdul Aziz Al-Hiqail, made the announcement after saying that the route of the proposed train project would remain the same despite the recent flooding.

Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper, Al-Hiqail said, "The previous designs detailed bridges, tunnels and train lines, but the organization has deemed it proper to review them in light of the recent flash floods."

Unsurprisingly, he added that if potential alterations were found to be needed, the cost of the project may have to rise. However, he said that only the specifications of bridges and tunnels would be reviewed to ensure they are able to tolerate difficult weather, while the route would remain the same.

Making space for the train

The proposed Al-Haramain project will see high-speed rail transport between Makkah and Madinah, and link the two cities to Jeddah and King Abdullah Economic City in Rabigh. Once completed, the service will be able to transport over 20 million people per year.

Al-Hiqail said that to make way for the railway, 27 real estate units out of 61 would have to be demolished. However, he did say that the owners would be suitably compensated. "Most of them are farms," he said.

The General Organization of Railways submitted documents regarding the second stage of the project to bidders last October. This stage includes the construction of railway lines, train signals and communication systems; the import of locomotives and other equipment; and the building of two electric rail lines of 450 kilometers.

The first phase was offered at the beginning of the year and included civil works. The contract was rumoured to be worth USD$1.8 billion (SR6.7 billion).

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