RIYADH: Railway passenger numbers on Saudi Arabia’s eastern network are set to more than double after a deal was signed for 10 modern trains. The agreement between Saudi Arabia Railways and Stadler, a Swiss specialized train manufacturing company, will see the purchase and maintenance of new locomotives for the eastern network of the Kingdom, with the possibility of adding another 10, according to the Kingdom’s press agency. The deal will see the number of passengers using the transport system in the region rise to 3.8 million a year. The inking of the contract was attended by Saleh Al-Jasser, the minister of transport and logistics services and chairman of SAR, along with Guy Parmelin, a member of the Swiss Federal Council and president of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education, and Research. Also present at the signing ceremony was SAR CEO Bashar Al-Malik and Stadler Chairman Peter Spuhler. Al-Jasser stated that acquiring these modern trains addresses rising passenger demand on the eastern route, and will facilitate direct Riyadh to Dammam trips, meeting the increasing travel needs between the Kingdom’s main cities. The minister pointed out that the introduction of these modern trains into the railway network comes as part of the national strategic initiatives for transport and logistics services to improve the quality of life. According to the contract, low-carbon emission trains will start delivery in 2027, each accommodating up to 340 passengers. Al-Jasser added: “The entry of the new trains into service in the near future will open up new horizons to enhance the developmental and economic movement witnessed by the Kingdom, by supporting rapid connectivity between cities and vital regions in the Kingdom.” Al-Malik explained the significant role that the new trains will play in the journey of modernization and development, saying: “Today, we are witnessing a comprehensive developmental renaissance and sustainable strategic transformation in the railway transport sector, where these modern trains represent an effective tool to enhance SAR’s services provided to the residents and visitors of the Kingdom.” The CEO added: “The new trains will serve the entire operational scope of the eastern railway network by increasing the seating capacity per train, increasing the number of daily trips, and the annual capacity of the network, covering stations in Riyadh, Hofuf, Abqaiq and Dammam.”