Riyadh: Saudi Arabia has signed a major agreement to purchase 20 new high-speed trains from Spanish rail manufacturer Talgo, strengthening its flagship Haramain High-Speed Railway and underlining the Kingdom’s continued investment in modern transport infrastructure. The deal, announced on Saturday, is valued at around €1.33 billion (approximately $1.57 billion) and includes both the supply of trainsets and long-term maintenance services.
The order was placed by Saudi Arabian Railways (SAR) as part of efforts to expand capacity on the Haramain line, which connects the holy cities of Makkah and Medina via Jeddah, King Abdulaziz International Airport, and King Abdullah Economic City. The route is one of the busiest in the region, particularly during Hajj and Umrah seasons, when millions of pilgrims travel between the sacred sites.
Under the agreement, Talgo will manufacture 20 additional high-speed trainsets capable of operating at speeds of up to 300 kilometres per hour. Deliveries are expected to begin towards the end of 2028 and continue in phases until 2031. Once fully deployed, the expanded fleet is expected to significantly increase passenger capacity, easing congestion and improving service frequency on the Haramain corridor.
Saudi officials said the acquisition aligns with the Kingdom’s National Transport and Logistics Strategy and Vision 2030 goals, which aim to transform Saudi Arabia into a global logistics hub while promoting sustainable and efficient mobility. Expanding high-speed rail services is seen as a key pillar in reducing road congestion, lowering emissions, and enhancing the overall travel experience for residents and visitors alike.
The contract also covers comprehensive maintenance of both the new trains and the existing Haramain fleet supplied earlier by Talgo. Maintenance services are expected to run until at least 2033, with options to extend support up to 2038. This long-term component reflects Saudi Arabia’s focus on operational reliability and safety, especially given the demanding climatic conditions in which the trains operate.
For Talgo, the deal represents a significant commercial boost and deepens its long-standing partnership with Saudi Arabia. The Spanish company had previously delivered 35 high-speed trains for the Haramain project, which has been operational since 2018. With this latest order, Talgo’s total order backlog has reached record levels, reinforcing its position as a major global player in high-speed rail technology.
The expansion of the Haramain High-Speed Railway comes as passenger numbers continue to rise, driven by population growth, increased tourism, and Saudi Arabia’s push to welcome more religious visitors each year. Authorities believe the additional trains will play a crucial role in ensuring smooth, safe, and efficient travel during peak pilgrimage periods, while also supporting the Kingdom’s broader economic diversification efforts.