Saudi Arabia demonstrated its commitment to developing the infrastructure required for its Vision 2030 plans when it started the tendering process in late 2024 for what Riyadh says will be the world’s largest airport, King Salman International. The kingdom is also making moves to improve the traffic situation in the capital, preparing to further expand Riyadh Metro and develop new roads. These transport investments will support Riyadh’s efforts to transform the kingdom’s economy and position it as a global hub for investment, tourism and innovation. They also align with the Vision 2030 goal of improving the quality of life for Saudi citizens, especially around the country’s established urban centres. Airport ambitions Riyadh is developing infrastructure across the country. there are planned or under construction airport schemes worth over $56bn in the kingdom, accounting for about 23% of total active transport projects. The largest upcoming airport project is the development of King Salman International airport, which will expand and replace the existing King Khaled International. The client kicked off construction work on the scheme when it awarded an early works package in late 2024. Further tenders are expected to be floated in the coming months as the prequalification process was completed for several packages in the first two months of 2025. Upon completion, the airport will be able to accommodate up to 120 million passengers by 2030 and 185 million by 2050. The goal is to process 3.5 million tonnes of cargo a year by 2050. The other major airport project planned in the kingdom is Abha International airport in Asir Province. Prequalified firms are preparing to submit their proposals by 22 April for a contract to develop and operate a passenger terminal building and related facilities for the scheme. Rail projects In November last year, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud inaugurated Riyadh Metro, and the RCRC is planning to extend the network with an expansion to Line 2. The Line 2 extension is 8.4 kilometres (km), of which 1.3km is elevated and 7.1km is underground. It will include five stations – two elevated and three underground. It is understood that the bid evaluation process for work on the extension has reached the final stages and the contract award is imminent. Meanwhile, the tender for the main contract to build Line 7 of Riyadh Metro has been issued, and the deadline for bid submissions has been extended until June. With a total length of about 65km and 19 planned stations, Line 7 will link the Qiddiya entertainment city project, King Abdullah International Gardens, King Salman Park, Misk City and the Diriyah gigaproject. Another significant upcoming rail scheme is the long-awaited Saudi Landbridge project, which involves building railways to connect ports and industrial areas on the Red Sea coast in the west of the kingdom with Riyadh in the centre and the Gulf coast in the east. Saudi Arabia has also restarted the feasibility study for the $8bn first phase of the Mecca Metro development. French engineering firm Systra is updating the feasibility studies for the project, including transport planning and economic, financial and legal analysis. Other planned rail projects include high-speed connections between Riyadh and other GCC capitals, including Doha and Kuwait City; urban rail projects in Riyadh; and the Saudi sections of the GCC railway network. By enhancing connectivity, Riyadh's transport infrastructure investments will help to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position as a regional hub, boost trade and investment opportunities, support tourism development and improve everyday life for residents. As construction progresses, the integration of these networks will be vital in shaping the country’s future, ensuring economic growth and global competitiveness.   (ICE RIYADH)

Fonte notizia: Meed