The Saudi Railways Organisation recently awarded five contracts to a number of local companies in order to develop and modernise the freight rail line. They will also provide advisory support services, technical support to update the electronic services system as well as aid the construction of new facilities. The total value of these contracts around SR 70m.
Commenting on the signing of these contracts, the Director of Public Relation and Media Mohammed Abu Zeid said, “the first contract was signed with AL Yamama Group to renew 41 km of the rail line number.” Part of their contract is to also renovate the entire freight rail line, a length totalling almost 600km. The aim is to improve the efficiency of the rail line and enhance the level of safety and raising the speed of the trains.
The second contract signed with ARCADIS Company aims to provide advisory support services to the Railway Commission. The third contract, awarded to WIPRO Arabia Company Limited is to provide support services to the information technology Department. Two other contracts given to local companies comprise of electronic support and training devices.
The Saudi Railways Organisation Board of Directors recently approved steps to implement their budget for the current financial year, which targeted mainly the development of infrastructure and superstructure of the existing railway network and its fleet.
The expansion in services provided to passengers will be through important new transport projects such as the bypass Hofuf Project, infastructure works and the acquisition of new locomotives.
