KAFD Signs Driverless Electric Train Project With 6 Tracks Linked To Riyadh Metro

King Abdullah Financial District Development and Management Company (KAFD), a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund, announced the launch of the monorail project by signing with CRRC, CRRC Nanjing Puzhen and Hassan Allam to launch it on the sidelines of the 8th session of the Future Investment Initiative, which was held at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh.

KAFD CEO Gautam Sashittal had revealed to Al-Eqtisadiah last March that the monorail, which consists of 6 stations, will be launched by 2026, indicating that the center is working on a mobility strategy through the concept of the 10-minute city, where everything is within a 10-minute walk using 40 pedestrian walkways, connecting all buildings to each other, from the metro station inside KAFD.

The project aims to provide easy, sustainable and efficient transportation solutions, reinforcing KAFD’s vision of creating a smart city based on innovative transportation options that reduce reliance on private vehicles. The electric train track extends 3.6 kilometers and operates with driverless automation technology, setting new standards for efficiency and safety in the field of transportation, as it will accommodate 3,500 passengers per hour during peak times.

Stephen Thomas, Chief Operating Officer, KAFD, said: “The public transport market is expected to grow from $6.11 billion in 2024 to $28.89 billion by 2034, at a CAGR of 16.81%. Through the monorail project, we not only aim to improve the quality of life for residents and visitors to the center, but also directly contribute to achieving the long-term sustainability goals of Riyadh. This project also reflects the urban ambition that the Kingdom is experiencing by providing easy and efficient connectivity between different parts of the city, in line with the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.”

KAFD is overseeing the development of the center, which is the premier business and lifestyle destination in Saudi Arabia and the main driver of Riyadh’s economic ambitions. It extends over an area of 1.6 million square meters, comprising 95 buildings across five diverse asset classes, including advanced office spaces, luxury residences, retail, hospitality experiences, and distinctive entertainment events, all connected by a network of dedicated pedestrian crossings, in an urban environment that facilitates easy access to all essential services on foot.