Have you ever wondered what happens to the Riyadh Metro trains after midnight? Do the trains “sleep”? This question has intrigued many since the launch of this massive transportation project. Surprisingly, the answer is yes — the trains do “sleep.”
According to Engineer Mohammed Al-Aqil, Director of Infrastructure Maintenance for Power Systems at the Riyadh Metro, the trains return to a designated “resting center” after completing their daily operations. The operational hours of the metro start at 6:00 AM and end at midnight. Once the trains finish their last trip, they are taken to these resting centers for a series of maintenance, cleaning, and preparation procedures.
What Happens During the “Resting Period”?
The time between midnight and the next morning is critical for ensuring the safety and efficiency of the trains. During this “resting period,” the trains undergo a thorough assessment to evaluate their condition. Maintenance schedules are reviewed to address any issues that might have arisen during the day.
Even though the trains are electric, they still have engines that require regular oil changes. Additionally, the trains are cleaned and disinfected. The resting centers are designed as comprehensive facilities, providing all necessary services to prepare the trains for a new day of operations.
Limited Maintenance Time
One of the biggest challenges for the maintenance teams is the limited time available for their work. The trains operate daily from 6:00 AM to midnight, leaving only a narrow window for maintenance.
Al-Aqil explained that the trains return to the resting centers between 12:00 and 1:00 AM. From 4:30 to 6:00 AM, testing procedures are carried out to ensure the trains are safe and ready for service. This leaves only a few hours for maintenance, cleaning, and preparation, making efficiency a top priority.
Seven Resting Centers for Quick Turnaround
To ensure smooth operations, the Riyadh Metro has seven resting centers across the network. If a train develops a malfunction, it can be quickly replaced with another, minimizing disruptions to service. This allows the metro system to maintain reliability without long delays.
A Massive Project
The Riyadh Metro is one of the largest transportation projects in the region, featuring a fleet of 190 trains and 452 cars. These trains were manufactured by leading global companies such as Siemens (Germany), Bombardier (Canada), and Alstom (France). The network also includes 19 parking areas strategically distributed across its routes.
With such advanced infrastructure and detailed maintenance protocols, the Riyadh Metro ensures that its trains are always safe, clean, and ready to serve the city’s residents and visitors.