亚开行-全球推进高速铁路建设和运营维护（英）-2023.9-9页_194kb

Policy Brief Summary: Haramain High-Speed Rail (HSR) in Saudi Arabia

Introduction

This policy brief examines the development, operation, and maintenance (O&M) of the Haramain HSR in Saudi Arabia, drawing lessons from its implementation. It highlights the importance of HSR in transportation and regional development, based on a workshop and real-world data. The system spans 450 km, connects major cities, and operates at 300 km/h, adhering to Spanish O&M standards, including one employee per kilometer of line.

Construction Details

• Phases: Divided into two phases via public-private partnership, with Phase I focusing on infrastructure and land acquisition, and Phase II on track, signaling, and initial train procurement.
• Key Stakeholders: International consortium led by Spanish firms, including ADIF and Renfe, with local partners like Saudi Bin Laden Group. O&M was outsourced for 12 years, adapting Spanish HSR designs to local conditions, such as heat resistance and cultural sensitivities.

Operation

• Train Operations: Aims for 300 km/h, with schedules adjusting for peak periods like Ramadan and Hajj, extending O&M hours to maximize capacity (60 million passengers/year). Special eco-friendly practices, like electric trains and natural lighting, reduce greenhouse emissions aligned with the Paris Agreement.
• Workforce: Reaches one employee per km for O&M, with 160 train drivers; plans include 30 female drivers, promoting women's workforce participation, indirectly tied to national reforms.

Training Programs

• Pre-employment training ensures adequate skill levels: 131 hours of theoretical and 66 hours practical for Operation Control Center (OCC) staff; 483 hours theoretical and 674 hours practical for train drivers, covering safety, technology, and operational procedures.

Policy Recommendations

1. Eco-Friendly Practices: Implement sustainable measures, such as electric trains or natural lighting, to combat climate change and align with global initiatives.
2. Quality of Life: Provide climate-controlled stations and sufficient commercial staff to minimize passenger stress.
3. Operational Integration: Adjust schedules to high-traffic periods and integrate with existing transport for efficient last-mile connectivity.
4. Training Dimensions: Use a multidimensional approach, addressing technical, social, and cultural aspects to ensure effective knowledge transfer.
5. National Alignment: Sync HSR systems with local policies and social standards to avoid reputational risks and legal issues.
6. Stakeholder Management: Establish a robust stakeholder management system, involving all parties early and using tools like social media to prevent delays (e.g., Stuttgart 21 case).
7. Outsourcing: Explore outsourcing non-core functions to external providers for efficiency, cost savings, and specialized expertise, but only after viability assessments.

Conclusion

The Haramain HSR offers valuable lessons for other regions, emphasizing adaptability to unique contexts. While similarities exist in international HSR development, no system is identical due to regional specificities. This brief serves as a reference for planning and O&M in HSR projects globally.