JEDDAH, 15 November 2005 — Saudi Arabia is now accelerating the implementation of its various projects in the transport sector. Rail projects especially are getting due attention.
Saudi Arabia’s landmark railway expansion project, which links its east with the west as well as the cities of Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah, has been making a remarkable headway.
The project involves construction of 950 km of new tracks between Riyadh and Jeddah, and another 115-km line between Dammam and Jubail as well as upgrading the existing rail link between Riyadh and Dammam. Cargo trains will be able to cover the distance between Jeddah and Dammam within 24 hours. The new railway project will promote travel and freight transportation across the Gulf.
“Various proposals have been received from national and international entities. It’s ultimately for the Supreme Economic Council to shortlist them and select the ones for fully implementing the project,” Minister of Transport Dr. Jabara Al-Seraisry said on Sunday night.
“There is also a move to license a new company for operating taxis to meet their growing demand,” the minister told reporters on the sidelines of the Saudi International Motor Show ‘05, which he opened at the Jeddah International Exhibition & Convention Center on Madinah Road.
“The show is impressive and gives a glimpse of the rapid progress the automobile industry is making,” the minister said.
The show presents the latest and most luxurious, prestigious and futuristic vehicular models and their accessories. It is being held under the Ministry of Transport and the Jeddah Traffic Department and organized by Al-Harithy Company for Exhibitions Ltd.