Sener’s Integral Role in the Landmark Riyadh Metro Project

Sener’s Integral Role in the Landmark Riyadh Metro Project

(IN BRIEF) Sener played a pivotal role in the development of the Riyadh Metro, a landmark project spanning 176 kilometers with six automated lines and 85 stations, officially inaugurated on November 27, 2024, by King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. As part of the FAST consortium, Sener led Independent Checking Engineering (ICE) services for lines 4, 5, and 6, overseeing the design, construction, and operational readiness of tracks, stations, and viaducts. The Riyadh Metro, a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, enhances urban mobility with modern amenities and seamless connectivity while addressing sustainability goals. Sener also prioritized community engagement, training over 50 Saudi students through a Joint Technology Transfer Program. With record-breaking achievements in tunnel excavation and girder installations, the project stands as a global benchmark in urban transport systems.

(PRESS RELEASE) MADRID, 29-Nov-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Sener, a global engineering and technology leader, played a pivotal role in the development of the Riyadh Metro, an ambitious urban transport initiative in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Officially inaugurated on November 27, 2024, by His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Riyadh Metro is now one of the largest urban transport systems in the world, designed to enhance mobility and quality of life in the Saudi capital.

Spanning 176 kilometers across six lines, 85 stations, and seven workshops and depots, the project stands as the largest construction initiative ever undertaken globally by a Spanish company. Developed by the FAST consortium—led by FCC and supported by Samsung C&T, Alstom, Freyssinet Saudi Arabia, Atkins, Typsa, and Setec—the metro integrates cutting-edge technology to provide a fully automated, driverless network that will transform urban mobility in Riyadh.

Sener’s Leadership in ICE Services

Since 2014, Sener has served as a key partner in the FAST consortium, leading Independent Checking Engineering (ICE) services for Package 3, which includes the yellow (line 4), green (line 5), and purple (line 6) lines.

The scope of Sener’s work included:

• Supervising the design, construction, and operational readiness of over 70 kilometers of tracks, 29 stations, 24 viaducts, 28 underground segments, and 13 above-ground segments.
• Ensuring interface compatibility across civil works, railway systems, and architectural finishes.
• Conducting rigorous quality assurance and control checks, including integrated testing, commissioning, and operational handover.

Sener’s expertise was instrumental in navigating challenges such as compressed timelines, harsh environmental conditions, and the technical complexity of a large-scale, automated transport system.

Transforming Urban Life with World-Class Infrastructure

The Riyadh Metro is a cornerstone of the Riyadh Public Transport Project, designed to support the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals by addressing the city’s growing transportation needs while fostering economic growth and sustainability. The metro’s design includes four iconic stations that serve as central hubs, connecting key locations such as King Khalid International Airport, King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD), major universities, and the downtown area.

The metro’s modern amenities—air conditioning, internet connectivity, and passenger information systems—enhance the commuter experience, while strategic integration with bus networks ensures seamless city-wide connectivity.

Commitment to Community and Innovation

Sener not only delivered technical excellence but also prioritized community engagement through initiatives like the Joint Technology Transfer Program, which facilitated knowledge-sharing on safety, environmental protection, and quality assurance. Over 50 Saudi university students participated in workshops and seminars, gaining hands-on experience in engineering and transport management.

Engineering Feats and Milestones

Key achievements in the project include:

• World-record excavation speeds achieved during the construction of the green line (line 5) using tunnel boring machines (TBMs) with a diameter of 9.77 meters.
• Installation of over 12.2 kilometers of girders across multiple spans in just 21 months, averaging an installation rate of 2.5 days per span.

A New Era of Mobility in Riyadh

The Riyadh Metro will roll out in phases, with the blue (line 1), yellow (line 4), and purple (line 6) lines opening to passengers on December 1, 2024, followed by the red (line 2) and green (line 5) lines on December 15, and the orange (line 3) line on January 5, 2025.

By integrating the latest advancements in railway technology, Sener’s contributions have helped deliver a state-of-the-art transport network that meets current demands while preparing for the future, significantly enhancing Riyadh’s urban ecosystem.

Significant facts about the project

• For the construction of the green line (line 5), the FAST consortium used two TBMs (tunnel boring machines), with a diameter of 9.77 metres, which have enabled full-section tunnels to be excavated, achieving world records for daily excavation progress.
• Among the three consortia (FAST, BACS and ANM) that have participated in the development of the Riyadh metro network, the FAST consortium, led by FCC, was the first to bring a 9.8-metre diameter TBM to Riyadh. Two TBMs were used to bore 10.8 km of tunnels on L5 San’ah and Zafrah, and the first to pass through Salah Al-din station on 4 October 2015, breaking speed records worldwide.
• More than 12.2 kilometres of girders were installed over two spans in a record time of 1 year and 9 months, with an average construction and installation rate of 2.5 days/span.

SOURCE: SENER group