The 21-month contract will include upgrading of the line for 32.5-tonne axleloads.

Al-Suwaiket says SRO is currently preparing tender documents for the second phase of renewals, which will cover a 91km section of the line.

SRO recently awarded a contract for track doubling on the 214km Hofuf – Harad section of the route as part of a programme of enhancements to improve transit times and increase capacity on the line.