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Saturday, Jan 10, 2026

AlUla’s battery-powered tramway, a pivotal step in green transportation

AlUla’s battery-powered tramway, a pivotal step in green transportation

AlUla's new 22.4 km battery-operated tramway, featuring 17 stations, marks a significant advancement in Saudi Arabia's sustainable transport initiatives.
Mohammed Khalil, managing director of Alstom KSA, emphasized that the tram system reflects Saudi Arabia's dedication to environmental preservation, aligning with Vision 2030’s commitment to green technology through reduced carbon emissions and reliance on renewable energy sources.

Distinct from conventional systems, AlUla's trams run on rechargeable batteries without overhead lines, minimizing infrastructure and resulting in a quieter and more environmentally friendly urban setting.

Critical in a region boasting UNESCO World Heritage sites, this approach offers harmony between cultural heritage and modern innovation.

The tramway integrates with the local culture, taking inspiration from the historic Hejaz railway both in design and functionality. It will incorporate elements of local architecture, ensuring the trams blend with historical districts.

Customized features to improve the passenger experience, such as easy boarding, advanced climate control, and journey information systems, have been designed to offer an immersive travel experience.

Alstom, a longstanding contributor to Saudi Arabia's transport sector, will produce the custom trams in France, continuing their 70-year legacy in the region by supporting key projects like the Haramain high-speed rail line and the Jeddah airport people-mover system.

The company prides itself on its contribution to reshaping the mobility landscape in the Middle East and promoting sustainable transport solutions.

Khalil also highlighted Alstom's recent exhibition of the hydrogen-powered Coradia iLint train in Riyadh, affirming Saudi Arabia's commitment to green transportation and the Saudi Green Initiative.

This introduction of hydrogen-fueled trains is seen as a technological breakthrough and aligns with the nation’s comprehensive sustainability and Vision 2030 objectives.

Alstom's investment in local maintenance training and capability-building ensures a strong foundation for the success of the AlUla tramway and future transport projects in the region.

The team will benefit from knowledge-sharing and specialist training sessions, fostering local expertise in alignment with the country's economic and environmental goals.
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