INTRODUCING HIGH SPEED RAIL SYSTEM IN MIDDLE EAST (KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA): A COMPARISON OF PAST, CURRENT AND FUTURE NETWORKS

Abstract

High-speed rail has flourished in technological development since their first appearance in Japanese Shinkansen line 1960. High speed rail systems are far more developing in developed countries, than the Emerging countries especially Saudi Arabia. The study then applies these two models to an emerging high speed network such as the planned/under construction corridors in Saudi Arabia to assess the extent of applicability and suitability of applying established high speed models to the Haramain high speed rail project network. The focus of the article is on assessing the three keys distinct models emerging from Asia and Europe such as: the French model, the Spanish model, the Japanese model, and Chinese model. This paper details the variation in technological implementations HSR project from Asia, and Europe. The results indicate that an appropriate possibility would be to apply the Europe model for the operational aspects given the similarities in terms of geography, population distribution and distance. Implementing the lessons learned from the Asia model in terms of construction and infrastructure design would be more suitable given the striking similarities in geological characteristics linked to the flat area. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with limited HSR development stands to benefit from the technological advances of others and learn from the economic impacts of HSR in other countries