El Ministerio de Transportes y Movilidad Sostenible, lead by Óscar Puente, has consolidated an economic operation exceeding the 2.800 millones de euros en Arabia SaudíThe agreement extends the operation of Renfe on the high-speed line until 2038 and confirms the purchase of rolling stock to Talgo.
Extension of the operation and maintenance contract
Following a strategic meeting in Riad with the Saudi minister of Transportes y Servicios Logísticos, Saleh bin Nasser Al-JasserAn addendum to the contract has been officially announced. Haramain projectThis contractual modification ensures that Renfe maintain the operation of the railway line that connects the holy cities of Mecca y Medina for an additional period of five years, extending the initial commitment from 2033 to 2038.
This extension represents an estimated revenue of 300 million euros per year for the Spanish consortium for operation and maintenance services, representing a total business volume of approximately 1.500 billion euros during the five-year extension period.
Record investment in rolling stock with Talgo
The announcement also includes a significant industrial aspect for the railway export sector. Talgo has signed the sale of 20 new trains high speed for a value of 1.332 millones de eurosThese units, which will join the 35 already operating in the Saudi desert, will have a 13-car configuration and capacity for more than 400 passengers per train, operating at commercial speeds of 300 km/h.
| Concept of the Agreement | Details and Key Figures |
|---|---|
| Total economic impact | Approx. 2.800 million euros |
| Renfe contract extension | 5 additional years (Until 2038) |
| Annual operating revenue | 300 millones de euros |
| Investment in Talgo trains | 1.332 billion euros (20 units) |
| Record number of travelers 2025 | 10 million passengers |
Spanish leadership in the Haramain Project
El Haramain project It has become the main showcase for Spanish technology high speed outdoors. Renfe It currently employs more than 1.000 professionals in the Arab country, highlighting an inclusive model where a third of the workforce are women. In the driving sector, female representation approaches 50%, a milestone for mobility in the region. Middle East.
In operational terms, the line has demonstrated increasing strength. During the 2025 fiscal year, the service reached 10 million travelers, surpassing the 9,1 million recorded in 2024. According to statements from Óscar Puente: "This operation is fundamental because it guarantees the continuity of Renfe and represents a boost to commercial activity in Talgodemonstrating that our companies are world leaders.".
Cooperation in transport and civil aviation
The official visit concluded with the signing of two Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen ties in future mobility and civil aviation. These bilateral agreements will focus on:
- Digitalization and innovation: Exchange of experts and training programs in intermodal transport.
- Civil Aviation: Collaboration on security, control audits and environmental sustainability.
- Passenger experience: Optimization of services and management of user flows in critical infrastructures.
Key points and frequently asked questions about the railway agreement in Saudi Arabia
What does the new economic agreement between Spain and Saudi Arabia include?
It includes the extension of the operating contract of Renfe On the line Meca Medina until 2038 and the purchase by the Saudi government of 20 additional trains from the company Talgo.
What is the total value of the advertised transactions?
The total figure exceeds 2.800 billion euros, broken down into approximately 1.500 billion for maintenance and operation services of Renfe and 1.332 billion for the new rolling stock of Talgo.
How has passenger traffic evolved on the Haramain line?
The high-speed line has shown steady growth, reaching a record high of 10 million passengers in 2025, up from 9,1 million the previous year.
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