Saudi Arabia built the world's most modern subway system

With a plan to develop infrastructure to improve people's lives, Saudi Arabia is developing the world's largest metro system in Riyadh.

Riyadh - The capital of Saudi Arabia prides itself on its population of over 6 million people. However, there is no public transportation system in Riyadh.

And it's time to change! As expected, by the end of 2018, the city will open a completely new, largest subway system ever. This urban transport network is currently under construction, including 6 metro lines connecting 85 transfer stations and spanning 180km of tracks. Besides, a brand-new bus system is also being built and deployed simultaneously.

Riyadh construction on 4/5/2016.

To establish this transportation network, the Saudi government has awarded contracts to a variety of engineering companies. The largest contract worth up to 10 billion USD was awarded to Bechtel - the leading US corporation specializing in public welfare projects. According to Fortune, Bechtel's Riyadh project is the largest civil construction contract ever undertaken by a company.

With the help of a group of businesses including Almabani General Contractors, Consolidated Contractors Company and Siemens, Bechtel will be in charge of the two most complex routes in the six-route system. These companies will be responsible for the entire design, construction process, vehicles, signage and wire systems . Currently, nearly 40 miles of road running through 39 stations have been built under heart of Riyadh center.

To build this system, Bechtel used a high-performance tunnel drill, weighing up to 1,000 tons. This machine is called Mneefah , named after the precious horse of the founding king of Saudi Arabia. A Bechtel can be drilled at a rate of about 100 meters per week.

This is the unmanned electric train that will be included in the world's most modern urban transport system.

Trains running through this route are all the most advanced. Siemens will be responsible for providing technology and equipment for 2 out of 6 routes. Specifically, the company will produce submarine trains, electrification systems and signaling technology for unmanned operations. The unmanned train cars of Siemens have speeds up to 145km / h.

Like all stations, each car is equipped with air conditioning and wifi. This subway system can operate thanks to a portion of the solar energy obtained from the stations.

The system's four main stations have been designed by different architectural firms from around the world, in which Zaha Hadid Architects is the company responsible for the station behind the Financial District - this station. connecting 3 roads and 6 floors, including 4 floors above ground and 2 underground floors.

Graphic image of the public transport system in Riyadh.

It is forecasted that Riyadh's population will grow by 50% by 2035. The construction of this modern metro system will reduce traffic congestion as well as reduce the amount of dust discharged from vehicles. Personal transportation, thereby greatly improving the environmental pollution.

Please read more about Riyadh's most modern subway system in the video below: