Saudi Arabia has initiated a major phase in its economic transformation with the launch of a tender for the Saudi Landbridge railway network. Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) has opened bidding for lead design consultancy services for the project, which covers over 1,500 kilometres of new railway infrastructure. Companies have until May 15, 2025, to submit proposals for work that includes concept design, preliminary design options, and Issued for Construction (IFC) stages. With an estimated value of $7 billion, this project ranks among the largest railway developments in the Middle East and globally.

At the core of the Landbridge is a new 900-kilometer line connecting Riyadh to Jeddah and King Abdullah Port on the Red Sea. The broader plan includes upgrades to the Riyadh-Dammam railway, a bypass around Riyadh, and a connection between King Abdullah Port and Yanbu. Once completed, the network is expected to significantly enhance freight transport efficiency across Saudi Arabia by enabling direct access from key ports to inland logistics hubs.

Originally proposed in 2004, the Landbridge project has experienced repeated delays due to route alignment issues, right-of-way concerns, and funding challenges. Although it was put on hold in 2010, it was revived in 2011. More recently, the project saw interest from China-backed investors under a potential public-private partnership (PPP) model. However, SAR’s decision to proceed with the design tender independently reflects a shift toward exploring varied financing and development strategies.

This development highlights the momentum in Saudi Arabia’s infrastructure sector under Vision 2030 and signals a dynamic and evolving business environment. The progress of the Saudi Landbridge demonstrates the kingdom’s commitment to modernizing its logistics landscape and supporting economic diversification.

News source: Peninsula

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