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Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) has signed an agreement worth an estimated SR2.6bn ($690m) with Swiss train manufacturer Stadler for the supply of 10 passenger trains for SAR’s East railway network.

The agreement also covers the provision of maintenance and an option to order an additional 10 trains in the future.

SAR CEO Bashar Al Malik and Stadler president Peter Spuhler signed the contract.

The tender process started in 2022, with Stadler selected as the preferred bidder in 2023.

This contract represents Stadler’s debut in the GCC railway market.

The trains will adhere to the latest European and international standards and are specifically designed for Saudi Arabia’s climate.

Each train will accommodate around 320 passengers and will span approximately 175 metres. The trains will feature two independent diesel-electric engines that meet European emission standards stage V.

The ceremony was also attended by the Minister of Transport and chairman of the board of directors of SAR, Saleh Al Jasser. He said: “The trains will double the network capacity to over 3.8 million passengers annually and provide direct express service between Riyadh and Dammam.”