The Royal Commission for Riyadh City has awarded a contract for the design and construction of a new extension to the Red Line of the Riyadh Metro network, officials announced.
The extension will add 8.4 kilometers to the existing route, stretching from King Saud University to the Diriyah Gate Development Project. Five new stations will be built as part of the expansion.
The project aims to enhance connectivity between vital areas, residential communities, and educational, cultural, and health centers across the capital, according to the commission.
Continuation of Transport Development
The expansion is part of ongoing urban development in Riyadh under King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who chairs the Royal Commission’s board of directors.
The Riyadh Public Transport Project was inaugurated in November 2024. The metro forms the backbone of the capital’s public transport network.
Strong Ridership Numbers
Engineer Ibrahim bin Mohammed Al-Sultan, Minister of State and Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, said the extension responds to growing demand for public transport.
Since the metro began operations in late 2024, ridership has exceeded 173 million passengers, according to Al-Sultan. He described this as reflecting public confidence in the project’s efficiency and service quality.
Technical Specifications
The new extension will include 7.1 kilometers of deep underground tunnels and 1.3 kilometers of elevated tracks, the commission said.
Two stations will serve King Saud University. The first will serve the Medical City and health colleges, while the second will serve the university lobby.
Three additional stations will be built in Diriyah. One of these will serve as a future connection point for Line 7, according to project plans.
The project is expected to be completed in approximately six years.
Connecting Major Destinations
The Diriyah stations will connect to several landmarks, including At-Turaif District, Al-Bujairi Quarter, and the Opera House.
Travel time from King Fahd Sports City Station to central Diriyah will not exceed 40 minutes, the commission stated.
The project is expected to reduce daily vehicle numbers by 150,000, providing alternative transport options for access to and from Diriyah.
Traffic Management Plan
The Royal Commission has developed a comprehensive plan to manage traffic diversions on roads affected by construction work, in partnership with relevant authorities.
The plan aims to maintain maximum traffic flow within the university and Diriyah areas until project completion.