The agreement was signed by the Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, “Saleh Al-Jasser,” and the Qatari Minister of Transport, “Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Thani,” in a move that observers see as reflecting the strong brotherly and historical relations between the two countries, in addition to strengthening cooperation and joint development integration.
The project extends for a distance of 785 kilometers, connecting Riyadh to Doha via Al-Ahsa and Dammam, and includes connecting King Salman International Airport and Hamad International Airport. With a speed exceeding 300 kilometers per hour, the train will reduce the travel time between the two capitals to approximately two hours, which supports trade and tourism and raises the level of quality of life.
The train is expected to serve more than 10 million passengers annually and create more than 30,000 direct and indirect jobs. The project is also expected to achieve an economic impact estimated at about 115 billion riyals in the gross domestic product of the two countries, making it one of the most important strategic projects that support the interconnection between the Gulf Cooperation Council countries through an advanced railway network.
The project will be completed within six years according to the highest standards of quality and safety, with the use of advanced railway technologies and smart engineering aimed at reducing carbon emissions, and supporting the transition to more efficient and innovative transportation patterns with the aim of achieving smart and sustainable mobility in the region. (Russia Today)
