Dubai (PlantAndEquipment.com) - Saudi Arabia's Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) has given Siemens and Alstom contracts totaling SAR5.5 billion ($1.47 billion) to deliver 94 additional train units for the Riyadh Metro network.

The purchase will increase the metro fleet from 183 to 277 trains, marking the first stage of a larger fleet expansion scheme. The contracts include train production, equipment installation, and accompanying system integration.

According to RCRC, the extra trains would improve the network's total passenger capacity by almost 60%, with allocations dependent on demand along particular routes.

The Red Line is scheduled to receive the greatest capacity increase (142%), followed by the Yellow Line (116%), Blue Line (60%), Orange Line (27%), and Purple Line (16%).

The investment comes as Riyadh prepares for increased passenger traffic and big international events, such as Expo 2030 and the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Since its inception, the metro has transported over 300 million passengers, with average ridership increasing by over 25% between January and September compared to the same time in 2025.

The new trains will be delivered in phases, with each going through testing and operational trials before entering passenger service.