Saudi Railways Cut Carbon Emissions by 364,800 Tons Under Vision 2030

Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) helped prevent more than 364,800 tons of carbon dioxide emissions and saved over 139.4 million liters of fuel in 2025, highlighting the Kingdom’s growing reliance on rail transport to support environmental sustainability and economic development under Saudi Vision 2030.

According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the environmental gains were achieved through the expansion of passenger and freight railway services, reducing dependence on road transport while improving energy efficiency across the Kingdom’s transport network.

Saudi Rail Network Expands Under Vision 2030

Saudi Arabia’s railway development is aligned with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which aim to establish the Kingdom as a major global logistics hub while promoting sustainable transportation.

Saudi Arabia Railways operates a network spanning more than 5,500 kilometers, connecting cities, industrial centers, ports and logistics facilities.

The expanding network supports passenger mobility, freight movement and greater integration between different transport systems, helping reduce fuel consumption and associated emissions.

According to the International Union of Railways (UIC), railways account for approximately 7% of global passenger transport and 6% of freight transport but generate only around 1% of transport-sector emissions.

The United Nations estimates that transportation contributes roughly one-quarter of global energy-related carbon dioxide emissions, making the transition to more efficient transport systems increasingly important.

Over 30 Million Tons of Freight Transported

SAR transported more than 30 million tons of freight in 2025, significantly reducing the need for long-distance road transportation.

According to SPA, the company’s freight operations eliminated approximately two million vehicle trips from Saudi roads during the year.

Rail connections between production facilities, industrial zones and ports have helped streamline the movement of goods and raw materials while reducing fuel consumption and transportation-related emissions.

The shift from road to rail has also contributed to improved logistics efficiency across the Kingdom.

More Than 14.6 Million Passengers Use Saudi Railways

Saudi Arabia’s railway networks served more than 14.6 million passengers in 2025, providing transport connections between cities and supporting travel for pilgrims.

The Haramain High-Speed Railway and Al-Mashaaer Al-Mugaddassah Metro Line operate entirely on electricity, eliminating direct fuel combustion during train operations.

These electric railway systems play an important role in supporting sustainable transportation, particularly during the Hajj and Umrah seasons when passenger demand increases significantly.

Their overall environmental benefits are expected to improve further as electricity generation becomes less carbon-intensive.

Solar Energy Powers Over Half of Railway Communication Systems

SAR has also expanded the use of renewable energy across its railway infrastructure.

More than 50% of the company’s signaling and communication systems are powered by solar energy.

Solar-powered infrastructure is particularly valuable in remote locations, where renewable energy and battery storage help maintain railway operations while reducing reliance on conventional energy sources.

The company has also strengthened its environmental management practices through waste recycling, water conservation and vegetation development.

SAR Recycles Over 10,000 Tons of Waste

In 2025, SAR recycled 10,216 tons of waste generated through infrastructure projects and operational activities.

The recycled materials included carbon steel, aluminum and other recoverable industrial resources, which were reintroduced into local supply chains.

The initiative supports Saudi Arabia’s circular economy objectives by reducing waste and encouraging more efficient use of industrial materials.

SAR has also introduced wastewater treatment systems at Northern Line stations and facilities, with treated water fully reused for irrigating green spaces.

Meanwhile, the cumulative number of trees and shrubs planted across railway facilities has exceeded 53,000.

The company’s environmental management system complies with ISO 14001:2015 standards, covering environmental risk assessment, performance monitoring and regulatory compliance.

Railway Safety Improves as Accidents Decline

Alongside environmental improvements, SAR reported significant progress in railway safety.

According to figures released by the company, accidents at railway intersections declined by 75%, while injuries fell by 62.5%.

Near-miss incidents decreased by 63%, and collisions in railway yards and workshops dropped by 68%.

The company’s safety culture index reached 57%, exceeding the global average cited in its assessment.

SAR’s “Aslam Lak” safety awareness campaign also contributed to a 61.5% reduction in encroachments on railway property through targeted field visits and risk-based awareness initiatives.

Saudi Workforce Localization Reaches 89%

SAR reported that its workforce localization rate reached 89% in 2025, reflecting the Kingdom’s efforts to strengthen national participation in the railway sector.

The company delivered 104,668 training hours to 3,129 male and female employees, covering technical, operational, administrative and leadership development.

Local content in SAR’s operations reached 67.35%, exceeding the company’s target by more than seven percentage points.

Through its ASASAT program, SAR is encouraging investment in railway-related industries, supporting local manufacturers and developing national suppliers to meet the sector’s growing operational and maintenance requirements.

Saudi Railways Targets Further Expansion by 2035

Under its long-term 2035 strategy, SAR plans to expand passenger and freight services, increase network capacity and introduce advanced operational technologies.

The company also aims to improve energy efficiency, strengthen resource management and accommodate growing transportation demand across the Kingdom.

The continued development of Saudi Arabia’s railway network is expected to support the country’s broader objectives of economic diversification, sustainable infrastructure and reduced transport-related emissions under Vision 2030.