Saudi North-South Railway (NSR) Expansion: Track Doubling (Phosphate 3) / Section 2 & Loops Report

1. Abstract:

The Saudi Arabian Railway (SAR) has issued a new and important tender to strengthen its railway infrastructure. The project name is "NSR Track Doubling (Phosphate 3) Section 2 & Loops". The purpose of this project is to change existing single line rail network to double line rail network, so the phosphate and other minerals should be transported easily without any pain. The railway line total length is more than 150 KM. This project will connect northern mining areas to eastern port area. This is a big part as per Saudi Vision 2030, to strengthen the Saudi Arabia economy.

2. Important Points of this Project:

• By doubling the track, the capacity and rail transportation will be doubled.
• The total area of this project is 150 KM. It also includes "Passing Loops" to pass big trains through these loops.
• There is possibility to spend multi billion riyals on this project.
• A freight mineral train is capable to lift load which is equal to 640 trucks. So it will reduce rush on roads and there will be less pollution.
• New utility bridges will be developed to separate road traffic from railway traffic.
• The track will pass through desert area, and flood area. The widening of culvert and construction of new drainage system will be done in order to make the track safe from erosion.

3. Key Project Details:

Category	Details
Project Name	NSR Track Doubling (Phosphate 3) Section 2 & Loops
Tender Number	749831
Primary Client	Saudi Arabian Railways (SAR)
Lead Consultant	ARX (Switzerland)
Project Length	Over 150 km
Estimated Duration	54 Months (Alignment with PMC contract)
Submission Deadline	15 April 2026
Location of Works	Northern/Eastern Mineral Corridor
Project Goal	Increase production for Phosphate 3 project

Image Courtesy: SAR

4. Impact of This Project:

• Many Worldwide EPC Companies are taking interest in this project. Because it is a multy billion riyals project.
• The production of phosphate in Saudi Arabia is expected to 9 million tons per year. It will make Saudi Arabia a big player in fertilizer inductry.
• Saudi Arabian Railway is planning to promote local industry. Cement sleepers will be made locally so it will boost and strengthen local engineering industry.

5. Why This Project Matters:

This project is "Resource Artery" for Saudi Arabia's economy. Phosphate is also called "White Gold". The export cost will be cheap and fast by the completion and utilization of this project. The track is double, so during maintenance it will not affect the transportation of phosphate and the supply chain will be maintained during this period of time.

6. Competent Contractors List:

The new and experienced contractors who work in railway projects before.

Contractor Name	Experise
ARX (Switzerland)	A lead consultant for this project who will look after design and engineering phase.
CCECC (China Civil Engineering)	This contractor has previous experience in Saudi Arabian Railway.
WeBuild Group	This company has bridges, and mega infrastructure projects
Yapi Markezi (Turkey)	They have experience in railway workshops and tracks

7. How to Apply This Project as a Vendor:

• If any company is interested in this project, they have to register themselves as a vendor. For registration, Click Here.
• If a company is registered already, they must have to login to apply this project. Click Here
• An Expression of Interest (EOI) must be submitted before closing date and time.
• If there is any question, please contact (vendor@sar.com.sa).