Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) recently announced its record-breaking operational numbers for 2023. The number of passengers on Saudi Railways trains exceeded 11.2 million across the East and North networks. The Haramain High-Speed Rail (HHR) and the Holy Sites Train marked an increase of 55 percent in passenger numbers compared to 2022.
SAR’s trips
The report noted a 25 percent increase in the number of passenger train trips on SAR networks during 2023 compared to 2022, bringing the total number of trips to more than 32,000.
In the same context, SAR explained that the volume of minerals and cargo transported through its networks during 2023 exceeded 24.7 million tons. That is a 6 percent increase compared to 2022, which contributed to the relocation of more than two million truck trips off highways, reducing fuel consumption in the kingdom by more than three million barrels, and reducing carbon emissions.
Strategic planning
SAR’s CEO, Dr. Bashar Al-Malik, explained that the positive results the company achieved in 2023 reflect the considerable and unwavering support of wise leadership. He stressed the company’s commitment to working at a more intense pace consistent with its strategic objectives. These historical numbers and exceptional successes are the result of effective strategic planning, adopting the latest technologies in the railway transport sector, and building sustainable partnerships with stakeholders from the government and private sectors. In turn, this contributed to raising the quality of services provided and increasing operational efficiency.
Hydrogen train trials
Al-Malik highlighted the distinguished accomplishments SAR achieved, in addition to the exceptional numbers that it reached for the first time in the passenger and freight sectors. He added that 2023 witnessed the launch of many qualitative initiatives and new services in the railway sector in the Kingdom. Hence, SAR launched the first operational trials of the hydrogen train in the Middle East and North Africa. Moreover, it launched the direct export service from the dry port in Riyadh. SAR also linked passenger train tickets electronically in collaboration with multiple strategic partners. Additionally, it signed several inaugural contracts to ink maritime transport with rail transport. Furthermore, it signed its first agreement to ship cars using its trains.
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Railway transportation services
Additionally, Al-Malik stated that last year’s achievements also helped strengthen the shipping sector and expand the customer base. This has allowed access to new industries that benefit from railway transportation services for the first time. Moreover, SAR contributed to supporting the objectives of the National Transport Strategy. It raised the level of services provided to all segments of customers, which highlights the vital role that SAR plays in supporting various economic activities that are witnessing significant growth in the kingdom. Consequently, this contributed to raising the company’s financial returns, which recorded their highest levels in 2023.
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