Saudi Railways (SAR) has renewed its strong warnings regarding the danger of trespassing on railway property, stressing that such actions not only pose a threat to the lives of individuals, but also expose their perpetrators to legal accountability and severe penalties aimed at protecting lives and public property.
Details of penalties and fines
In its statement, SAR clarified that the regulations in Saudi Arabia do not tolerate encroachments on railway property, with penalties reaching up to a fine of 500,000 Saudi Riyals , in addition to imprisonment for up to two years , or one of these two penalties. The company indicated that these penalties are imposed due to the serious damage caused to private and public property by such encroachments, and the direct threat they pose to the safety of train operations and passengers.
“Safer Lak” campaign to raise awareness
In a related context, SAR continues its awareness efforts through the “Safer for You” campaign, whose 2025 field tours launched last month in Al-Zulfi Governorate. This sixth iteration of the campaign builds upon the successes achieved over the past three years, aiming to raise safety standards across the Kingdom’s railway network and promote safe behaviors among residents living near train tracks.
National context and the development of rail transport
These stringent measures come at a time when Saudi Arabia is experiencing an unprecedented boom in the transport and logistics sector as part of its Vision 2030. The railway network has expanded to include the North Train, the Eastern Train, and the Haramain High-Speed Railway, connecting the Kingdom's regions and facilitating the movement of goods and passengers. This significant expansion necessitates firm legislation to protect this vital infrastructure, which is a key artery of the national economy.
The importance of compliance and its impact on public safety
The importance of respecting railway rights-of-way extends beyond simply avoiding fines; it encompasses security and economic dimensions. Random encroachments can cause catastrophic accidents, halting transportation and inflicting significant economic losses while disrupting supply chains. Therefore, public awareness and compliance with regulations are fundamental to ensuring the sustainability and efficiency of this vital facility, thereby strengthening the Kingdom's position as a global logistics hub connecting three continents.
