With the first phase of the railway project connecting the East Freight Train Network with the North Freight Train Network, passing through Jubail Industrial City, more than 200,000 trucks are expected to be replaced by freight trains. The project will also reduce emissions by more than 70 percent, according to Al-Eqtisadiah.

Upon obtaining the operating license from the Public Transport Authority, the project will begin commercial operations in the first quarter of 2023.

Prince Saud bin Naif, the Emir of Eastern Province, inaugurated the railway project in Jubail on Sunday. He also inaugurated the Jubail Industrial City's internal railway network. Among the guests at the inaugural ceremony were the Minister of Transport and Logistics and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Railway Company (SAR), Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser, Deputy Minister of Transport and Logistics Dr. Rumaih Al-Rumaih, and CEO of SAR Dr. Bashar Al-Malik.

Inauguration of the 193 km project linking Jubail Industrial Area (1) and (2), King Fahd Industrial Port, and Jubail Commercial Port represents an important and supportive stage for the Kingdom's logistics sector.

With the new project, products and materials can be transported via rail between facilities and ports in Jubail and other regions connected to the Kingdom's rail network. In addition to enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the logistics sector, the project aims to support and stimulate national industries and enhance their competitiveness. It also aims to raise rail transport rates and integrate them with other transportation modes. As well as improving quality of life, it aims to provide safe and environmentally friendly transportation solutions.

The commercial operation in 2023 will include three trips to Jubail Commercial Port to transport about 125,000 containers annually, as well as two daily trips to King Fahd Industrial Port. In addition, it will contribute to the transportation of more than 300,000 containers annually from Jubail Container Terminal to King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam.

With this project, the Kingdom will be able to strengthen its efforts to protect the environment and to activate its initiatives to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2060, in line with its development plans, as well as diversify its economy.