Dynamic test runs begin on Riyadh Metro project

French company Alstom has started conducting initial dynamic tests for the Riyadh Metro project in Riyadh, it announced on Sunday.

The tests have been ongoing for the past few weeks at the Line 4 depot test track in Riyadh.

The test campaign includes the demonstration of the performance of the railway system, from power supply to signalling systems, using the trains which have already been delivered, a statement said.

Owned by Arriyadh Development Authority (ADA), the $23bn Riyadh Metro project consists of six lines totalling 176km and 85 metro stations. It will cover the most densely populated areas of Riyadh, including the King Khalid International Airport, King Abdullah Financial District and major educational, commercial and medical institutions.

The metro is scheduled to begin operations in 2019.

The project is being designed and built by the FAST Consortium, including Spanish construction group FCC, Samsung C&T, Alstom, Strukton, Freyssinet Saudi Arabia, Atkins, Typsa and Setec.

Also read: Saudi begins naming rights tender for Riyadh metro stations

Alstom is supplying a fully integrated metro system for lines 4, 5 and 6, which includes: 69 Metropolis-based Riyadh Metro trains, Urbalis signalling system, Hesop energy recovery station as well as tracks.

The train features two cars per set and is 36 metres long. Each train features three classes: first, family and singles class. The trains will offer ergonomic seating, LED lighting, air conditioning and passenger information system.

They are driverless and movements are directed by a signalling systemw which controls the speed and functions such as automatic opening of the train doors.

The metro is planned to accommodate more than 365 million passengers per year in its opening phase and 1.3 billion per year in the future, serving as the backbone of the public transport system in the Saudi capital city.

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