Saudi Arabia’s railway network has recorded remarkable growth in passenger numbers during the first quarter of 2024, reflecting the increasing preference for train travel across the Kingdom. With substantial increases in both urban and intercity travel, the rail sector is poised for further expansion and enhancement, offering exciting opportunities for high-end travel advisors worldwide.
The first quarter of 2024 saw over 8 million passengers travelling by train, a new high for Saudi Arabia’s rail network. This impressive figure encompasses both urban and intercity services, showcasing a broad-based increase in rail travel popularity.
- Urban Travel: More than 2 million passengers commuted by train within cities, marking a 1.7% increase compared to the same period in 2023. This steady rise highlights the growing reliance on urban rail services for daily commuting.
- Intercity Travel: Intercity train travel experienced a remarkable surge, with over 6 million passengers opting for trains—a significant 25.41% year-over-year jump. This substantial increase underscores the efficiency and convenience of intercity rail services, making them a preferred mode of transportation for longer distances.
Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) contributions
Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) has been a key player in this growth, as evidenced by its own impressive statistics:
- SAR reported that over 2.7 million passengers utilised its services in Q1 2024, reflecting a robust 23% increase from the previous year.
- Passenger train trips on SAR’s network rose by 3%, totalling 8,252 trips across the East Train, North Train, and Haramain Express networks.
Strategic Initiatives and Future Projects
SAR’s strategic initiatives and future projects have been pivotal in driving this growth. Under the leadership of CEO Dr. Bashar bin Khaled Al-Malik, SAR has embarked on several pioneering projects aimed at enhancing passenger experience and expanding the rail network:
- Luxury Travel: One of the standout projects is the signing of the “Desert Dream” train agreement. This luxury train service, the first of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa, is set to commence operations by the end of 2025, promising a new level of opulence and comfort for travellers.
- Fleet Expansion: SAR has finalised a contract with Stadler, a Swiss rail vehicle manufacturer, to procure 10 modern passenger trains for the East Train network. This addition is expected to double the network’s annual capacity to over 3.8 million passengers, facilitating the operation of direct “Express” trips from Riyadh to Dammam. This expansion is aimed at meeting the escalating demand for trips between these major cities.
- Enhanced Connectivity: SAR has also been working on improving connectivity within the Kingdom. By linking the logistics zone in Dammam’s second industrial city to the railway network, SAR enhances accessibility to key ports and cities, which is crucial for both passengers and economic activities.
Opportunities for travel advisors
For travel advisors specialising in high-end experiences, these developments in Saudi Arabia’s rail network present unique opportunities. The introduction of luxury travel options like the “Desert Dream” train and the overall enhancement of rail services provide a new dimension to premium travel. Advisors can leverage these advancements to craft bespoke itineraries that offer a blend of luxury, efficiency, and cultural richness.
The significant increase in passenger numbers, coupled with SAR’s strategic initiatives, underscores the growing importance and appeal of rail travel in the Kingdom. As the network continues to evolve, it promises a future of enhanced travel experiences, aligning with global trends towards sustainable and efficient transportation.
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Photos courtesy of SPA
