111km of Tracks: Kuwait Approves Saudi Rail Route Today – How Soon Can You Travel to Riyadh by Train?
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Dhivyanshu
- . May 14, 2026
- . Update: May 14, 2026 5:52 pm
The Middle East had a historic moment with a new transportation policy on May 14, 2026. The Technical Committee of the Municipal Council in Kuwait has officially approved for allocation and roadway for a new railway line connecting the country with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Kuwait-Saudi Rail Route 2026, The extension is exactly 111 kilometres long, from the southwest border to an eventual hub for passengers at Al-Shadadiya, and is the last bureaucratic step before the country’s part of the long-awaited railway opens. This means that for travellers and businessmen who often travel to Riyadh, the dream of train travel has become reality.
Expanding Inter-GCC rapid transit systems
The main aim of this 111km route is to bring about an extensive Inter-GCC rapid transit network. This section is the vital north section of the wider Gulf railway project, according to recent reports by the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA). Passengers will effortlessly cross border lines once the relevant part of the Saudi segment of the railway line is finished by the Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR).
The two countries seek to significantly ease traffic congestion on highways and improve the efficiency of their borders by giving increased weight to Inter-GCC rapid transit. On this particular train line, it is expected that the speed of passenger trains can surpass 200 kilometers per hour, which will completely revolutionize the logistics of commuting to the regions the weekend and business trips.
Developing Multimodal transport corridors
Apart from the convenience of the passengers, the approval of this route represents a giant step towards developing strong Multimodal transport corridors. The design of the Al-Shadadiya station has been prepared by the Ministry of Public Works in Kuwait, aiming to be connected directly with the existing airport and seaport facilities. This connection will enable a seamless transition from international to regional airline travel and rail services.
The development of these Multimodal transport corridors is perfectly in line with the regional economic visions. Aviation-based travel model is not the only way of travel and moving away from it is an amazing economic resilience and unprecedented travel flexibility, as the Secretariat General of the Gulf Cooperation Council states.
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Optimizing Trans-national logistics networks
Although fast people will be a lot of fun, the project’s economic foundation will be Trans-national logistics networks. The new 111km path will be used by freight trains that will run at speeds of up to 120 kilometers an hour, making an excellent option for the more traditional cargo trucking.
Both countries have placed significant investments in Trans-national logistics networks, and are thus strengthening key supply chains from disruption in the region. According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the railway will help to speed up the transportation of agricultural commodities, industrial raw materials and consumer technology products over the border, enabling businesses to have reliable and swift delivery times.
Project Timelines and Estimates
The route is now officially approved and the construction on the Kuwaiti side is expected to start soon, with a time frame of 2028-2030. Although the exact timetable is yet to be announced, industry sources believe direct high-speed train travel between the two cities would eventually be able to run in a few hours and revolutionise cross-border tourism.
FAQs
Q1: How long is the newly approved railway section?
The Municipality Council approved the 111km track which starts from the Saudi border and goes to the planned Al-Shadadiya station.
Q2: When is the rail link expected to be fully operational?
Current estimates are that heavy construction will begin from 2028 to 2030 and that passenger services will begin shortly after thorough safety testing.
Q3: How fast will the passenger trains travel?
A: The design specifications enable the possibility of passenger trains reaching speeds of up to 200 km/h, which means that the inter-city travel times could be reduced by a huge factor.
Q4: Will this railway connect to other Gulf countries?
A: Yes, this 111km stretch is an integral part of the overall railway development in the Gulf, which eventually will connect all six member states seamlessly.
