Saudi Railways signs financing deal to buy 10 new Stadler trains

Saudi Railway Company (SAR) has signed a financing agreement with the Swiss Export Risk Insurance (SERV), KfW IPEX-Bank, Commerzbank, and UBS Switzerland to fund the purchase of 10 new passenger trains from Swiss manufacturer Stadler. The deal is part of SAR’s strategic plans to develop and expand its passenger train fleet and enhance operational capacity.

The agreement was signed in Berlin during SAR’s participation in the InnoTrans 2026 international transport technology exhibition, under the patronage of Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and SAR Chairman Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser.

The agreement aims to finance the acquisition of the new trains to meet the rapidly growing demand for passenger transport services, increase seating capacity, and improve the quality of services offered to travelers. This builds on SAR’s 2024 contract with Stadler, bringing the total number of trains ordered to 20.

New train specifications and expansion goals

The new trains will each consist of five carriages with a total capacity of 302 seats per train. They feature advanced technical and operational specifications designed to deliver high-quality services to passengers, enhance the efficiency and quality of rail transport, and improve the travel experience.

SAR CEO Bashar bin Khaled Al-Malik said the agreement supports the company’s plans to develop and expand its passenger train fleet, keeping pace with the rapid growth in passenger transport by increasing capacity, adding more trips, and serving more travelers.

He added that the fleet development will provide broader mobility options, strengthen intercity connections, support business and tourism, increase the rail sector’s market share, and promote a shift toward more sustainable transport, in line with the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030.

The financing agreement is part of SAR’s ongoing investments to develop and enhance the efficiency and operational capabilities of the rail network, in response to rising demand and to reinforce the railway’s role in supporting economic development.