Saudi Arabia has significantly expanded its world-class Haramain High-Speed Railway by ordering 20 additional high-speed trains from Spanish manufacturer Talgo. The Saudi Ministry of Transport and Logistics finalized the landmark deal on Sunday to strengthen connectivity between Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah.
This strategic investment directly supports the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals for advanced transportation infrastructure and exceptional passenger experiences.
A Record-Breaking Partnership
Talgo confirmed the new €1.3 billion contract will elevate its global order book to nearly €6 billion. Furthermore, these 20 trains will join the 35 Talgo 350 units already serving Saudi passengers since 2018. The Saudi Spanish Train Project Company awarded the contract through coordinated efforts between transport and finance ministries. Each new train features two power cars and 13 coaches with 417 comfortable seats across two classes.
Consequently, the expanded fleet will maintain identical high-performance specifications including a maximum commercial speed of 300 kilometers per hour. Moreover, every train incorporates full platform-level boarding and completely step-free interiors for seamless passenger movement. These thoughtful design elements dramatically accelerate boarding during peak travel periods like Hajj and Umrah seasons.
Meeting Surging Demand with Excellence
Saudi operators currently run more than 100 daily services along the 450-kilometer Haramain corridor using Talgo technology. During the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage alone, the railway transported nearly two million travelers safely and efficiently. Therefore, adding 20 new trains will enable service frequency to exceed 140 daily trips during high-demand periods. Dedicated spaces for catering and passengers with reduced mobility ensure inclusive, comfortable journeys for everyone.
Additionally, Talgo will maintain the entire 55-train fleet through 2033 with a possible extension until 2038. The company already employs over 270 skilled professionals at two specialized maintenance facilities inside Saudi Arabia. This long-term commitment guarantees operational excellence while transferring valuable technical expertise to the local workforce. Saudi Arabia continues demonstrating its leadership in adopting globally proven rail standards with European ERTMS Level 2 signaling technology.
The Haramain High-Speed Railway stands as a shining example of modern infrastructure serving both pilgrims and residents. As the Kingdom prepares for growing visitor numbers, this expansion ensures smooth, rapid transit between Islam’s two holiest cities. Saudi leadership remains steadfast in delivering transportation solutions that honor religious significance while embracing technological innovation for future generations.
