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Yesterday, the Saudi Railways Organization announced it issued a contract to the Al-Shoula Consortium to construct the second phase of the Haramain High-Speed Rail Project (HHR), linking Mecca and Medina.

The consortium comprises “a number of Saudi and Spanish companies,” according to a Saudi Railways press release. Various news reports have named Spanish railway Renfe and train manufacturer Talgo as part of the consortium. In addition, Invensys Rail will provide signaling and train-control systems for the line. The total contract is worth a reported $9.3 billion.

The consortium members will construct and electrify the line, install signaling and telecommunication systems, build an operational control center, procure 35 train sets, and operate and maintain the railroad for 12 years.

The HHR project calls for building a 450-kilometer, five-station high-speed rail line between Makkah and Madinah, via Jeddah. Trains will operate along the double-tracked line at speeds up to 360 kph.