The AlUla tram project in Saudi Arabia
The AlUla tram project in Saudi Arabia – historical legacy meets cutting-edge low-carbon technology on the way to Vision 2030
At Alstom, we pride ourselves on delivering custom-built integrated systems designed to meet the unique needs of our customers. The AlUla Experiential Tramway Project in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a true testament to Alstom’s expertise in developing reliable, turnkey tramway systems that provide passengers with a seamless journey. This exceptional project that connects historical legacy with cutting-edge low-carbon technology also underscores our commitment to support the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in achieving its ambitious rail targets as part of the Vision 2030 initiative.
The project will cover a distance of 22.4km and feature 17 strategically located stations. The world's longest battery-powered, catenary-free tramway line will offer unmatched access to the five core historical districts in AlUla, including UNESCO World Heritage sites such as AlUla Old Town (District 1), Dadan (District 2), Jabal Ikmah (District 3), Nabataean Horizon (District 4), and Hegra Historical City (District 5). By connecting these historically significant areas, this tramway project will encapsulate richness, history, and green mobility like no other.
The tram system will enhance the region's rich heritage while reducing carbon emissions, offering a unique transportation option that blends historical routes with innovative, climate-adapted trams. Alstom is proud to provide the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with a reliable and sustainable mode of transportation that aligns with its ambitious rail targets as part of the Vision 2030 initiative and creates a global model for development in the industry.
Our turnkey tramway system will offer passengers a seamless journey through time, making this a signature project for Alstom.
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20Citadis trams
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22.4kmtramway line
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17stations
Technical features
This fully integrated turnkey tramway system, designed and built by Alstom for The Royal Commission for AlUla, will be fitted with 20 advanced Citadis™ trams, equipped with the Mitrac B™ battery solution, will feature implementation of the innovative, fast, and invisible SRS ground-based static charging system as well as power supply, signalling and communication systems and depot equipment.
Delivery of this integrated turnkey system will draw on Alstom’s global in-house expertise in turnkey railway solutions and over 20 years of expertise in integrated tram systems.
As an alternative to complex interactions with separate firms and contractors, Alstom offers a one-stop shop to build turnkey tram systems. Our teams combine in-house skills in rolling stock, signalling and rail infrastructure subsystems (track, electrification) as well as system engineering and integration to design and deliver the best system to meet reliability, availability and riding comfort objectives.
Nine Alstom sites in France are working in harmony with the teams in the Kingdom for the manufacturing of the tramways:
- La Rochelle, for design and assembly;
- Le Creusot, for bogies;
- Ornans, for motors;
- Villeurbanne, for on-board electronics and cyber security;
- Aix-en-Provence, for tachometers;
- Valenciennes, for the design and supply of interior fittings and services;
- Vitrolles for the design and supply of free catenary charging system;
- Tarbes for its contribution to the supply of the autonomy system;
- Saint-Ouen, for design.
Citadis tramways have already covered more than 1 billion kilometers and carried 10 billion passengers since the first train was put into service in 2000.
Alstom will also provide full maintenance for the trams and system for 10 years, using HealthHub™ Alstom’s tool for predictive maintenance and fleet management to deliver the highest availability. The services teams will also use an itinerant workshop for all types of overhauls to be more flexible and reduce capital expenditure, and provide robust training programmes for tram personnel, ensuring operational efficiency.
