Bechtel inaugurates Riyadh Metro project amid transportation transformation
- The Riyadh Metro network officially inaugurated today in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, by the BACS Consortium.
- The Blue Line is now operational, connecting 40 stations and running through key areas, while the Red Line will begin operations soon.
- The project aims to enhance public transportation accessibility and sustainability in Saudi Arabia.
On December 2, 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the BACS Consortium, which includes Bechtel, Almabani General Contractors, Consolidated Contractors Company, and Siemens, officially inaugurated the Riyadh Metro network. This monumental project represents the first phase of the largest metro system in the Middle East. The consortium also successfully designed and integrated the network's Blue Line, which is operational now, and the Red Line, which is set to start passenger operations soon. With 85 stations spread across six lines, the Riyadh Metro aims to radically transform transportation in the city, significantly increasing public transport usage from 2% to an anticipated 18% by 2030. The Blue Line runs through Downtown Riyadh, connecting major landmarks including the King Abdullah Financial District Station and the STC Olaya Station, the latter of which is more than 100 feet underground. Sustainability is a vital aspect of the project, with some stations powered by renewable energy. Bechtel has been involved in Saudi Arabia for over 80 years, participating in significant developments that encompass various sectors, including transportation, indicating its enduring commitment to the region's infrastructure development.