Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Investment Khalid A Al Falih has announced an ambitious plan to expand the Riyadh Metro network in collaboration with several French companies, at a total investment of more than €20 billion ($21 billion), according to a LinkedIn Post by Mohammed AlQahtani, CEO of Saudi Arabia Holding Co.

The metro expansion plan follows the inauguration of Riyadh Metro on November 27 by Saudi Arabia’s King Salman. Currently, Riyadh Metro consists of a network that includes six train lines covering a total of 176 km and 85 stations, including four main stations. It was built at a cost of $22.5 billion and stands as one of the largest infrastructure projects in the world.

“The Riyadh Public Transport Project, which spans metro and bus networks, is the culmination of concerted efforts made by King Salman and the outcome of his visionary leadership while serving as the Chairman of the High Commission for the Development of Arriyadh, the predecessor of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City,” Crown Prince and Prime Minister HRH Mohammed bin Salman said.

The blue, yellow and purple lines of the metro opened for public use from December 1, while the red and green lines opened on December 15. The orange line will open on January 5.

Meanwhile, the plans for expansion of the metro will include the seventh line. This project has garnered significant interest, with the High Commission for the Development of Riyadh prequalifying companies to compete for its design and construction.

Spanning about 65 km, this metro line will have 19 stations, 14 of which will be built underground and five overground. It will link Qiddiya Entertainment City, King Abdullah International Gardens, King Salman Park, New Murabba, Misk City and Diriyah Gate.

The proposed plan will see the development of a network connecting all Riyadh neighbourhoods through an integrated transportation system.

AlQahtani quoted Al Falih as saying that this expansion is not merely an addition to the existing network; it marks a leap towards creating a world-class transportation system.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, led by HRH Mohammed bin Salman, aims to position Riyadh among the top 10 global economic cities by 2030, up from its current 40th rank, while increasing its population from 7.5 million to 15-20 million, he added.