SAR Concludes InnoTrans 2026 with Major Rail Contracts

Berlin:The Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) wrapped up its involvement at InnoTrans 2026, the global trade fair for transport technology, by finalizing significant contracts and financing agreements. These agreements involve the acquisition of 10 new passenger trains, 33 freight locomotives, and 782 freight wagons, as well as initiatives for systems modernization and maintenance. According to Saudi Press Agency, SAR secured a financing deal with Swiss Export Risk Insurance (SERV) and a consortium of banks, including KfW IPEX-Bank, Commerzbank, and UBS Switzerland. This funding will facilitate the purchase of 10 new passenger trains from the Swiss manufacturer Stadler, addressing the burgeoning demand for passenger services. For its freight operations, SAR signed a contract with Progress Rail in the United States for 33 new freight locomotives and another with Greenbrier, also based in the U.S., to produce and supply 782 new freight wagons. Additionally, a contract with France's Alstom Transport was finalized for technical support and maintenance services. These agreements were endorsed by Saleh Al-Jasser, the Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of SAR's Board of Directors. Further collaborations were established with companies including Japan's Hitachi Rail and Türkiye's AstraG. SAR CEO Bashar Al-Malik facilitated the signing of memoranda of understanding between Estenad and both Shenyang and Knorr-Bremse. These memoranda focus on technology transfer, knowledge sharing, and the localization of manufacturing and maintenance for braking system components and spare parts within Saudi Arabia. Throughout the fair, SAR leadership engaged with executives from leading global railway companies to explore future collaborations and examine the latest in railway technology. SAR emphasized that its participation aligns with strategic goals to expand international partnerships, enhance fleet and infrastructure, transfer knowledge, cultivate national talent, and boost local content. These efforts contribute t o the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and the broader objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.