
The sprawling and congested Saudi capital is in a race against time to complete its $22.5 billion metro system within four years, a senior official said on Wednesday.
Abdullah Allohaidan told AFP in an interview that the rail and bus development -- whose construction is changing the face of Riyadh -- is the largest project currently under way in the Middle East "and I think in the whole world."
Construction began a year ago but has accelerated in the last few weeks, with road closures, digging equipment and hard-hatted workers taking over the city's business core, to the frustration of drivers facing detours and lane-closures.
"I think the biggest challenge we are facing is the duration of the project," said Allohaidan, assistant to the metro director.
Plans call for construction to be completed by the end of 2018.
"Usually the duration for those projects is much longer," he said in front of colour-coded maps showing the metro's six lines that will cover 176 kilometres (109 miles), supported by a bus network of 1,150 kilometres.
But with the population of Riyadh projected to reach 8.2 million by 2030, up from the current 5.7 million, the city needs public transit, he said.
Saudi Arabia is OPEC's biggest oil exporter and the country's economy has been one of the best performing in the Group of 20 leading nations, according to the International Monetary Fund.
Three foreign consortiums are building the metro, with France's Alstom, Canada's Bombardier and Germany's Siemens among the major participants.
GMT 17:47 2018 Monday ,15 January
‘Negative’ outlook for Gulf sovereign ratings in 2018, says Moody’sGMT 19:27 2018 Sunday ,07 January
UAE pledges to distribute 70% of VAT proceeds to help fund community projectsGMT 19:21 2018 Sunday ,07 January
Surge in foreign fund inflows sets stage for Egyptian boomGMT 19:15 2018 Sunday ,07 January
Iraq to export Kirkuk oil to Iran before January-endGMT 11:35 2018 Wednesday ,03 January
Saudi Food and Drug Authority: No VAT on human medicines, vitamins, and registered medical equipmentGMT 10:00 2018 Wednesday ,03 January
Saudi Customs launches Approved Economic Operator programGMT 07:30 2018 Wednesday ,03 January
Morocco’s 2017 Economic Growth: GDP on the Rise, Investment in DeclineGMT 18:33 2018 Monday ,01 January
No New Year cheer for UAE property market
Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2025 ©
Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2025 ©
Send your comments
Your comment as a visitor