Progress Rail and Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) have announced new agreements that aim to further strengthen their long-standing relationship and support the continued growth of the railway network in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).
Announced during InnoTrans 2026; the announcements include an order for a set of 33 EMD® SD70ACS heavy-haul locomotives for SAR’s Northern Railway, as well as a memorandum of understanding (MOU) focused on the expansion of localised rail capabilities and lifecycle services within the KSA.
This order will increase SAR’s fleet to over 150 EMD locomotives whilst supporting growing freight demand across the KSA. The locomotives have been specifically designed for desert conditions, and the SD70ACS platform aims to deliver proven heavy-haul performance, reliability and efficiency for customers operating in harsh environments.
Jack Zhang, Executive Vice President of Locomotive for Progress Rail, said:Customers need suppliers who can solve today's operational challenges while supporting tomorrow's growth.
Together with SAR, we are strengthening rail capabilities across Saudi Arabia through advanced locomotives, local services and technical expertise. These agreements reflect our shared commitment to long-term investment, innovation and sustainable growth for the railway industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The MOU will establish a framework for the two companies to explore localisation initiatives, workforce development and supply chain opportunities that support the continued advancement of the KSA rail sector. These efforts will seek to expand industrial capacity, as well as support SAR’s long-term fleet requirements and upcoming rail projects in the KSA.
Dr. Bashar bin Khalid Al-Malik, Chief Executive Officer of SAR, said:This agreement marks a strategic step in strengthening SAR’s freight capabilities and expanding phosphate transport operations on the North Railway.
The addition of 33 locomotives will enhance fleet capacity and operational readiness, enabling us to meet growing demand from the mining and industrial sectors with greater reliability and efficiency. It also supports knowledge transfer, national capability development and local content, advancing the objectives of the National Transport and Logistics Strategy and Saudi Vision 2030.
