Think Railways

Saudi Railways Organization has awarded Talgo a contract exceding USD200 million to supply six 13-car diesel trains for use on Riyadh – Dammam line (480 km).

The 200 km/h vehicles are self-propelled with Diesel-Electric traction (catenary-less power) and are equipped with “desert package”, which reinforces the train’s sealing systems by blocking-out the sand and heat, while it travels under atmospheric temperatures that can exceed 55 degrees Celsius. Additionally, it counts with in-built protection for its windows and other external areas, as well as an enhanced paint and coatings to counter the effects of abrasion.

The president of TALGO, Carlos de Palacio, considers that “this contract serves as acknowledgement of our technology and a display that will open a whole new range of opportunities, in a market that is as competitive as the Persian Gulf itself”.