#Saudi Arabia #Riyadh #Bechtel #Riyadh Metro

Bechtel Celebrates the Launch of Riyadh Metro Network

Bechtel has officially celebrated the inauguration of the Riyadh Metro project, marking a significant step in the kingdom’s urban development. As Saudi Arabia's first underground railway system, the Riyadh Metro is designed to revolutionize public transportation, catering to an initial capacity of 1.2 million daily passengers, with the potential to serve up to 3.6 million.

A Major Milestone in Public Transport

The project, delivered by the BACS consortium, comprises Bechtel along with Almabani General Contractors, Consolidated Contractors Company, and Siemens. They were instrumental in the design, construction, testing, commissioning, and integration of the Metro's lines.

The inauguration emphasized the collaborative effort, with Darren Mort, President of Bechtel's Infrastructure business, highlighting the technological challenges overcome in bringing the Metro to life. Mort stated, "The Riyadh Metro will transform travel in Saudi Arabia by offering a more sustainable and efficient mode of transportation for millions of people."

Project Overview

The Riyadh Metro project is vast, consisting of six lines and 85 stations, which will be launched in stages. The Blue Line, which runs north to south through the city, has commenced partial operations, featuring significant stations like the iconic King Abdullah Financial District station, known for its distinct undulating roof. Another important station on this line is STC Olaya Station, located 100 feet below ground, showcasing the project's ambitious engineering feats.

In addition, the BACS consortium is also developing the Red Line, which will provide east-west connectivity across the city. When complete, both lines will span 63.1 kilometers and accommodate a total of 40 stations.

Commitment to Sustainability

Sustainability has been a guiding principle throughout the Riyadh Metro project. Innovative designs include the integration of renewable energy sources to power several stations. This endeavor aims to significantly increase the share of public transport usage in Riyadh, projecting an increase from the current 2% to 18% by 2030.

Brendan Bechtel, Chairman and CEO of Bechtel, reflected on this achievement and the company’s longstanding history in Saudi Arabia, where it has successfully completed numerous megaprojects over the past 80 years, including oil and gas facilities, airports, and critical infrastructure projects.

Looking Ahead

As the Riyadh Metro continues to expand, it promises to reshape the commuting experience for residents and visitors alike, offering an efficient, reliable, and eco-friendly alternative to traditional means of transportation. Bechtel's pioneering role in this project underscores its commitment to delivering essential infrastructure that positively impacts local communities and enhances urban mobility.

For further details on the Riyadh Metro project and Bechtel's commitment to sustainable infrastructure development, visit bechtel.com.