The Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) has awarded a contract for the design, implementation and completion of an extension to the Red Line of the Riyadh Metro network, further boosting the capital’s public transport infrastructure.

The move represents a new phase in strengthening the capital’s public transport network and enhancing connectivity across key districts.

The line will be extended by 8.4km from King Saud University to the Diriyah Gate Development project with five new stations, RCRC said in a statement.

It forms part of ongoing efforts to complete the capital’s public transport network while linking vital areas, residential communities, and major educational, cultural, and healthcare centres, it stated.

Currently, the Red Line runs along King Abdullah Road between King Saud University and King Fahd Sports City with a total length of 25.3km with 13 stations (including three transfer stations). Under the newly awarded contract, the line will be extended by 8.4 kilometers from King Saud University to the Diriyah Gate Development, adding five new stations to the network.

The scope of work includes the construction of 7.1km of deep underground tunnels and 1.3km of elevated track. The project is expected to be completed within a six-year timeframe, according to an RCRC statement.

Stations within the Diriyah Gate Development will provide direct connectivity to key destinations such as the Al-Turaif and Al-Bajiri districts, as well as the Opera House. 

According to RCRC, the extension is aimed at reducing daily traffic volumes by approximately 150,000 vehicles, offering a sustainable transport alternative to and from Diriyah.

Once completed, the Red Line network will span 33.7km covering a total of 20 stations, it added.-TradeArabia News Service