Riyadh Metro Nears Completion as Stations Finish Fit-Out

The Riyadh Metro network is now fully operational across all six lines, with passenger services running system-wide as contractors report fresh progress on station finishing works and ongoing system testing. Delivery and expansion of the network are overseen by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC).

Overall civil works on the metro exceed 90% completion. Around 75 of the 85 stations are structurally complete, while the remaining stations are in fit-out and finishing stages covering architectural work, mechanical and electrical systems, and interiors. System testing continues on operational lines as part of routine commissioning and reliability improvement, covering train performance, signaling, platform screen doors, ventilation, fire-life safety, and evacuation procedures.

Lines 1 and 2 completed full system tests in 2023 and were officially inaugurated and handed over in 2024, with current work focused on fine-tuning, maintenance, and integration with future extensions. On the Green and Purple lines (5 and 6), mechanical, electrical, and plumbing installation and testing are complete, including fire suppression, HVAC, electrical, and tunnel management systems, and occupancy permits have been obtained for at least some stations.

Extensions and new lines

Work is also advancing on network expansion. A dedicated tunnel boring machine for the Red Line extension has been manufactured and factory-tested, with tunneling set to begin between King Saud University and بوابة الدرعية. Line 7 remains in the procurement phase: commercial bids for the design-and-build contract were submitted on January 31, 2026, best-and-final offers were received on May 7, 2026, and evaluation is ongoing, with no station construction yet.

For residents across the capital, the milestones point to a maturing transit network and a wider footprint of connected stations in the years ahead. No metro fares or fees specific to finishing works or testing have been published in the available information.

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