Alstom and SAR boost existing Collaboration to strengthen Freight Rail Performance

Alstom, a global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, has signed a €22 million, five-year contract with Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) to support the reliability and day-to-day performance of its North Freight fleet operating along the Kingdom’s North–South corridor.

Industry sources added that the North–South corridor is a key rail link for Saudi Arabia, carrying approximately 13.5 million tons of freight annually on the northern line. The corridor connects mining sites to processing facilities and export points, playing a central role in supporting the Kingdom’s industrial and logistics activities.

To help maintain reliable freight operations across the North-South corridor, Alstom will provide FlexCare Perform maintenance services to support for the critical onboard systems installed on SAR’s locomotive fleet. These systems are essential for daily operations, monitoring train performance, managing speed, and enabling communication with signalling infrastructure to ensure safe, efficient and reliable movement of freight across the network.

Alstom will also introduce a more proactive maintenance approach, combining real-time monitoring with enhanced spare parts availability to improve fleet readiness and reduce response times. The scope also includes system upgrades, maintenance documentation, digital tools, and targeted workforce training. Together, these measures will support more efficient day-to-day maintenance, strengthen operational performance and support the long-term reliability of SAR’s freight services.

“Our partnership with SAR is built on a shared ambition to strengthen rail performance and support the Kingdom’s long-term transport objectives,” said Mohamed Khalil, Managing Director Middle East. “Through this collaboration, we are enhancing reliability, supporting local talent development, and creating long-term value for Saudi Arabia’s freight sector.”

Beyond operations, the initiative will contribute to developing local capabilities. Training and knowledge transfer will support Saudi engineers, technicians, and operators, enabling the progressive localisation of technical expertise and reinforcing the Kingdom’s rail ecosystem.

By supporting a critical freight corridor and strengthening local expertise, this initiative contributes to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 ambitions to build a more efficient, resilient, and competitive logistics sector.

Alstom is the market leader in rail services, supporting customers over the entire asset lifecycle with the broadest portfolio of services solutions. Alstom’s FlexCare Perform maintenance services are tailored to customer needs and operational requirements, from technical support with spares to fully outsourced maintenance solutions. Alstom maintains over 36,000 vehicles worldwide, including over 2,450 locomotives, and is a trusted partner for servicing both Alstom and non-Alstom rail assets.

Alstom in Saudi Arabia

Alstom continues to expand its local footprint in Saudi Arabia through long-term investment in people and capabilities. The company has established its Middle East regional headquarters in Riyadh, launched multiple local trainings and knowledge-transfer initiatives, and is actively supporting the development of local expertise in transport systems and mobility technologies.

Present in Saudi Arabia since 1951, Alstom remains a trusted partner in  the Kingdom’s transport development journey. From the first gas turbine to today’s fully automated metro systems, the company continues to support the country’s goals for innovation, sustainability, and smart infrastructure.

ALSTOM™ and FlexCare Perform™ are protected trademarks of the Alstom Group.

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