French train-maker Alstom has signed a five-year, €76m contract with Saudi Arabia to improve its east–west freight corridor.
Under the agreement, Alstom will provide technical assistance, spare parts and training programmes for the Saudi Railway Company (SAR).
Trains will be monitored in real-time through the company’s HealthHub system in an effort to optimise the availability of diesel locomotives.
Mohamed Khalil, Alstom’s managing director in the Middle East, said: “By empowering SAR with cutting-edge technologies and knowledge transfer, we are fostering a competitive and sustainable sector while enriching local talent and expertise within the kingdom’s railway industry.
“This collaboration will provide SAR engineers and technicians with invaluable hands-on experience.”
Saudi Arabia’s east–west railway connects the Gulf ports of Dammam and Jubail with Riyadh’s dry port.
