The Asharqia metro is in it final stages, only the dates for its operation have yet to be announced, said Transport Minister Jabara Al-Suraiseri.

“The metro project is being implemented with the support of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah,” the minister said.

“Railway projects will contribute in expanding the railway network in the Kingdom and increase local investment, eventually attracting foreign investment,” he said during an inauguration ceremony for Royal Commission of Jubail (RCJ) projects.

“Investors know that the province has a very well-developed infrastructure and potential for successful investment,” he said.

“The railway network will directly be connected to port networks at the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf.”

The Kingdom’s strategic railway plan includes the expansion and development of 19 railways spanning 9,900 km, to be implemented in three phases.

The first phase will implemented between 2010 to 2025, spanning a length of 5,500 km and costing SR63 billion. This phase is classified as a high priority.

The second phase will last between 2026 to 2033 and span 3,000 km, costing SR209 billion.

The third and final phase will last six years between 2034 to 2040 and will cover 1,400 km, costing SR93 billion in a secondary priority classification.

This strategic plan includes other projects that are under study, including the Taif, Khamis Mushait and Abha railways, which span 706 km.

This railway line will connect Taif to Abha and Khamis Mushait. There is also a 660-km Jeddah-Jazan railway project and a 350-km Yanbu-Jeddah railway in the pipeline.