Director of public relations of the Saudi Railway Organization (SRO) Muhammad Abu Zaid, in a press statement, attributed the recent confusion and disruption in the movement of the express trains between Riyadh and Dammam also to two other main causes.

"Stealing of cables buried underground, the entry of persons onto the track and the cutting of iron fences have adversely affected work on the advanced communications systems thus causing the recent confusion in the schedules of the express trains," he told Al-Watan Arabic daily.

Abu Zaid said operating of trains with the necessary speed and efficiency depends largely on the system of signals and communications that provides train drivers with accurate data about the condition of the track thus preventing human errors.

He said these systems would also help in the electronic monitoring of the movement of trains.

Abu Zaid said the SRO is currently installing a complete system for track monitoring through remote sensors which is linked to the central surveillance room in order to monitor any suspicious activities taking place near the railway line. "We will also intensify security patrols to stop stealing and the damaging of the fences so as to be able to run the trains on time and with maximum efficiency," he said.

He said the organization was currently amending some of the bends in the railway lines to permit high speed and was also replacing parts of the track. "The SRO will complete its projects before the year-end," he added.

He said the organization had executed a number of projects aimed at promoting the basic infrastructure of the railway lines, making them ready for high-speed trains and ensuring high levels of safety and security.

"The SRO is doubling tracks between Riyadh and Dammam and is building concrete crossings and strong iron fences between Dammam and Riyadh to prevent people, vehicles and humans from coming near the track," he said.

Abu Zaid said the new trains were meant to offer a high-speed travel option to passengers like the service in other parts of the world. He said special compartments were added for transporting luggage and each passenger would be allowed to carry up to 30 kg of luggage.

Abu Zaid said the trains were still in the trial period under the supervision of the manufacturing company. "Some problems here and there are usual at this stage," he said.

Abu Zaid said under the contract, the manufacturing company would run the trains for a year during which it would train Saudi drivers to take over.

He also said the company would provide maintenance service for four years at special workshops established by the SRO and would train the Saudi engineers and technicians.

The Kingdom has embarked on a massive railway expansion program and the SRO has prepared a 30-year master plan (2010-2040) in association with an international consultancy firm. The new projects would cover a total length of 7,000 km, according to SRO President Abdul Aziz Al-Hoqail.