Saudi Arabia has just inaugurated another of its colossal projects: the longest driverless transportation system in the world

Pharaonic projects ‘are law’ in Saudi Arabia. The largest—and richest—country in the Middle East is building the futuristic megacity of Neom and the world’s largest airport, but it is also promoting somewhat more peculiar initiatives such as a cube that could contain 20 Empire State Buildings inside.

The course that the oil giant has decided to take requires a transportation system that is up to par. Now, just opened a key piece of it. We are talking about the longest driverless metro system in the world. A huge network that extends for 176 kilometers and has 85 stations.

Saudi Arabia updates its transportation system

Although it is a project that has yet to receive the final touches, the new Raid metro began operating last December 1. That day three of its lines were commissioned, but it is expected that in the first months of next year another three will come into operation to reach a total of six lines.

The French multinational Alstom is providing the metro’s rolling stock. Since it is a fairly diverse network, no single type of train will be used. There will be 47 Metropolis trains for the Orange line, and 69 Metropolis trains for the Yellow, Green and Purple lines. All will have different classes, ergonomic seats, LED lighting, air conditioning and a modern information system.

The most important point of this metro system, besides its length, is its operation tfully automated. Behind this achievement is a combination of technologies. For example, a state-of-the-art signaling system controls the speed of trains so that they move safely and without delay. Another system is responsible for the automatic opening of the doors.

Subway stations are often more than a functional building. The design can take up much of the limelight. We have already seen it, for example, with the most expensive subway station in the world built in New York, the work of the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. In Saudi Arabia, the King Abdullah Financial District station by Zaha Hadid Architects does not go unnoticed due to its unique lines.

As we can see in the images, the building has a design that is as futuristic as it is elegant where various geometric structures. The subway toll plazas seem tiny in an environment that represents spaciousness. Natural light and artificial light also combine in a very subtle way to project a clean and illuminated look.

Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, is growing by leaps and bounds. Currently it has a population of about 6.5 million inhabitants, but it is expected that in 2023 this figure will grow to 8.3 million. A transportation system like the one we have just learned about is a key element for residents and visitors to get around. Let us remember that the country wants to host the FIFA World Cup in 2034.

Images | Hufton+Crow | Alstom | Siemens

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