The high-level steering committee between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia has approved the outputs of the financial, economic, technical, and social feasibility study for the rail linking project between the two countries to transport passengers and goods. A government source revealed to the newspaper "Al-Qabas" that efforts are currently underway to launch the project "for preliminary design" soon, after completing the necessary procedures, and global companies will be invited to participate in this phase.
The source stated that the actual implementation of the project is set to begin in 2026, indicating that the expected number of passengers for trips between the two countries via the rail link is around 3,300 passengers per day, with an average of six round trips throughout the day. The train will cover a distance of approximately 500 kilometers in a duration of one hour and 40 minutes, which is a high speed.
The source highlighted that ticket prices for the trips between the two countries by train will be affordable for everyone, competing with planes in speed and cars in fare prices. The source reiterated the mutual desire to expedite this vital project, which will contribute to activating and organizing a sustainable rail link, enhancing integration, and driving economic growth and trade exchange between the two countries.
While the source confirmed that the Kuwaiti-Saudi link is separate from the Gulf rail link project, it mentioned that the connectivity is expected to start from the Shadadiya area to the Saudi capital, Riyadh. According to the project plan, it is expected to be completed within four years, and it is one of a package of Kuwaiti-Saudi projects aimed at economic integration and the longstanding historical relations between the two countries.
The source also noted that the Cabinet has directed the Ministry of Public Works and other relevant entities to accelerate the pace of this vital project and provide regular reports on its progress.
