Increased capacity on a key route
As part of VISION 2030, Saudi Arabia is continuing to invest in the expansion of its rail network. New Intercity trains from Stadler are to be deployed in future on the high-demand route between Dammam and Riyadh. The trains are part of an order placed by Saudi Arabia Railways with Stadler for an initial ten multiple units, with an option for a further ten units. The total value of the contract is around 600 million Swiss francs and includes not only delivery but also maintenance and spare parts.
Operation under special conditions
The Saudi rail network is not electrified. The new Intercity trains will therefore be designed as diesel-electric multiple units. Each train is around 175 metres long, has two independent diesel-electric power units and can accommodate around 320 passengers. The power units comply with European Stage V emissions standards.
However, the technical requirements go beyond the drive technology. The vehicles must be designed for extreme climatic and environmental conditions: high temperatures, dust, long operating hours and reliable operation over long distances characterise the operating conditions. For safety-critical systems, this means they must detect faults at an early stage, operate reliably and be capable of integration into a complex vehicle design.
Fire protection in passenger and technical areas
Due to the particularly challenging environmental conditions, Stadler has decided to award the contract to FOGTEC. FOGTEC is supplying various components of the fire protection system for the new Intercity trains. Aspirating smoke detectors are used in the passenger areas; they serve to detect smoke at an early stage, thereby supporting a rapid response in the event of an incident.
Heat detectors are used in the technical areas, particularly in the diesel drive compartments. In addition, aerosol fire suppression generators of the FOGTEC “AG-Pro” series are provided for these areas. New smoke and heat detectors from FOGTEC are used as stand-alone solutions in technical cabinets.
The system thus combines different detection and suppression technologies, tailored to the respective areas of the train: the passenger compartment, technical equipment, drive components and control cabinets each have their own specific requirements in terms of detection, response time and integration.
A project between Switzerland and Saudi Arabia
The trains are manufactured in Switzerland before being transported to Saudi Arabia, where they undergo extensive type testing. Delivery is scheduled for the period 2028 to 2029/2030.
Fire protection is an integral part of the overall technical concept. With proven solutions for rail vehicles and many years of experience in international rail projects, FOGTEC is the ideal partner for Stadler on this project.
