In a major infrastructure enhancement, Saudi Arabia has significantly expanded its high-speed rail capabilities through a new agreement with Spanish manufacturer Talgo. The Kingdom’s Ministry of Transportation and Logistics, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, has commissioned 20 additional high-speed trains for the critically important Haramain Railway line.
The contract, valued at approximately €1.3 billion ($1.54 billion), represents a substantial investment in Saudi Arabia’s transportation future. This acquisition will augment the existing fleet of 35 Talgo 350 trains that have been operational since 2018, dramatically increasing capacity along the route connecting the holy cities of Mekkah, Medinah, and the commercial hub of Jeddah.
Each new trainset will maintain the technical specifications of the current fleet, featuring two power cars and thirteen coaches with a combined capacity of 417 passengers. The design includes dedicated spaces for catering services and passengers with reduced mobility, alongside full platform-level access for improved boarding efficiency.
The expansion directly addresses growing passenger demand, particularly during the annual Hajj pilgrimage season when service frequency increases from over 100 daily trips to more than 140. This enhancement comes after the railway successfully transported nearly two million pilgrims during the 2025 Hajj season.
Beyond manufacturing, the agreement extends Talgo’s maintenance responsibilities through the Saudi Spanish Train Project Company consortium. The Spanish firm will now maintain the entire 55-train fleet until at least 2033, with potential extension options through 2038. Talgo currently operates two maintenance facilities in Saudi Arabia employing over 270 personnel.
The Haramain Railway represents one of the Middle East’s most advanced transportation projects, operating over 450 kilometers of track built to Spanish high-speed standards with maximum commercial speeds of 300 km/h and modern ERTMS Level 2 signaling systems.