On the 4th of July 2022, the Royal Commission announced a project aimed to redesign and develop an all-new tram network connecting Al Ula landmarks, archaeological sites, tourist places, urban zones, and the local transport system.
The mobility company SYSTRA is expected to complete and finalize its design studies for the tram system by the year 2023. The design work will begin this year itself. The tram carriages are expected to resemble the design of rolling stock, which is very similar to the carriages that are present in the historic Hijaz railway system. The project is focused on developing a system that will reduce carbon emissions to a great extent making the environment relatively more sustainable. The stations that will be built under this project are going to act as public transport hubs for the local area. The tram network has been planned to be developed in two phases. It will span over a distance of nearly 50 km, stretching from Hegra, a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site in the north, to the Al Ula International Airport in the south.
The tram project across Al Ula
The project’s main purpose is to provide passengers with the means to commute comfortably. The new trams are expected to provide the passengers with a modern and a slightly luxurious experience in their travel. The tram carriages will be traveling along the Hijaz line, which is expected to be renovated during this project. The tram cars will be passing through the Al Ula valley, bringing passengers from Damascus, Syria, to Medina in Saudi Arabia. The new stopping line has been developed while considering the convenience of the pilgrims. The newly projected line is expected to enhance the experience of the locals and the visitors. The ambition is to turn Al Ula into a global destination for tourism.
The red line
The ‘red’ line is expected to provide easy connectivity across all the major locations that are a part of RCU’s Journey Through Time route scheme. The first phase will be over 20 km in length and will act as a stimulant for future development projects. The stations that will fall under this phase include Hegra South, Equestrian Village North, Equestrian Village South, Nabataean Farms, Al Uthayb, the Incense Museum, Jabal Ikmah, Tal Al-Khatib, Dadan North, Dadan Village, and Dadan, Al Jadidah, Old Town, Al Ula Hijaz, and Al Ula Central East. These stations also include multiple other transport services, including personal cycle rentals, electric bike rentals, and other vehicles that the locals can easily access.
The second phase is supposed to stretch over a length of no less than 30 km, running to the airport. It will further nourish Al Ula, making it an important regional transport center.
The RCU is expected to collaborate with town planners who will map and remodel roads to accommodate the tram cars and further help divert traffic. The trams will have the potential to operate at a maximum speed of 50 kmph. This will hugely impact traffic as the dependency on personal cars will likely be minimized. It will greatly cut down on traffic and reduce carbon emissions to a great extent while increasing connectivity. All of this will help Al Ula become a carbon-neutral zone by 2035. All in all, this amazing tram network connecting Al Ula and its key landmarks will be a big boost for the tourism sector.
Suggested Read: 8 Popular Places To Visit In Al Ula, A Global Cultural Hub In The KSA
