Financial bids opened for 65-km Riyadh Metro Line 7

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Metro Rail Today): The Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) has taken a significant step forward in the expansion of the Riyadh Metro by opening commercial proposals for the design and build contract of the highly anticipated Line 7. The move marks a crucial milestone in advancing one of the Saudi capital’s most ambitious urban mobility projects, aimed at strengthening connectivity across key economic and cultural hubs.

Contractors had submitted their commercial bids by 31 January, followed by a phase of post-tender clarifications initiated by RCRC in February. The project has attracted strong international participation, with leading global consortiums competing for the contract, underscoring the strategic importance and scale of the development.

A Strategic Corridor Connecting Riyadh’s Key Destinations

Riyadh Metro Line 7 is planned as a 65-kilometre corridor that will seamlessly link some of the city’s most prominent destinations, including Qiddiya Entertainment City, King Abdullah International Gardens, King Salman Park, Misk City and Diriyah Gate. The line will significantly enhance urban mobility while supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives of sustainable urban development and economic diversification.

The project will feature a mix of underground and elevated infrastructure, with approximately 47 km running underground and 19 km elevated. A total of 19 stations are planned, including 14 underground stations and five above-ground stations, designed to handle high passenger volumes and ensure efficient transit across the city.

Commenting on the development, Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO, Urban Infra Group, said, “The progress on Riyadh Metro Line 7 reflects the scale and ambition of next-generation urban transit systems being developed globally. Such mega metro projects are not only transforming mobility but also reshaping urban ecosystems by integrating transport with economic and social infrastructure. The participation of global consortiums highlights the increasing convergence of technology, engineering excellence and international collaboration in delivering world-class metro networks.”

According to industry sources, several high-profile consortiums are in contention for the Line 7 contract. These include partnerships led by global majors such as Alstom, Siemens, Hitachi Rail and CRRC, along with prominent construction firms from Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Notably, India’s Larsen & Toubro is part of one of the competing consortiums, reflecting the growing global footprint of Indian infrastructure companies in large-scale rail projects.

In parallel, firms have also been preparing bids for the project management consultancy contract, with submissions expected earlier this year, further indicating steady progress toward project execution.

Riyadh Metro Expansion Gains Pace

The development of Line 7 builds on the successful rollout of Riyadh Metro’s first phase, which comprises six lines and 84 stations. The network achieved a major milestone earlier this year with the commencement of operations on the Orange Line, completing the phased launch of the initial system.

Construction activities are also underway for the Line 2 extension, highlighting Riyadh’s aggressive push to expand its metro network. In July last year, RCRC awarded an estimated $800 million to $900 million contract for this extension to the Arriyadh New Mobility Consortium, led by Italy’s Webuild, along with partners including Larsen & Toubro, Nesma & Partners and Alstom.

The upcoming Line 7 will also integrate with other lines, including an interchange at Diriyah Central, enhancing multimodal connectivity and network efficiency.

As Riyadh continues to invest in advanced urban transport infrastructure, Line 7 is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the city’s future mobility landscape, reinforcing its position as a leading example of next-generation metro development in the region.