The Saudi Railways Organisation (SRO) has appointed Spain’s Consultrans to carry out the feasibility study of the high-speed railway line between Dammam and Riyadh.

The 10-month study involves evaluating the feasibility of the 480-kilometre high-speed railway linking Riyadh to Dammam through Hofuf.

The study will look at market research, demand analysis, definition of best alignment, the most suitable systems and rolling stock, and the estimation of financial cost of the entire project.

It will also look at the most appropriate procurement approach for future contracts for this project.

By increasing the speed of trains running between Dammam and Riyadh to 300km/h from 180km/h, the SRO aims to cut journey times to less than three hours from the four and a half hours.