Penalty for trespassing on Saudi railway lines: fine and imprisonment
The Saudi Railways Company (SAR) issued a strongly worded warning regarding encroachment on railway property, stressing the seriousness of these practices and the grave legal consequences and serious risks to lives and property that result from them.
Deterrent penalties for violators
In its statement, SAR clarified that the regulations in force in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia stipulate strict penalties to deter violators. Encroaching on railway property subjects offenders to a fine of up to 500,000 Saudi Riyals , imprisonment for up to two years , or one of these two penalties. The company indicated that these penalties are imposed due to the damage caused to public and private property and the direct threat to the safety of train traffic and passengers.
Launch of the "Safer for You" campaign for 2025
As part of its ongoing efforts to raise awareness, SAR launched the first round of its 2025 field safety campaign last month under the slogan "Safer for You." The campaign began in Al-Zulfi Governorate, marking the sixth edition of this successful awareness initiative, which has been running for the past three years. The campaign primarily aims to improve safety levels across the Kingdom's railway network and promote safe behaviors among residents living near train tracks.
The strategic importance of the railway network
These warnings and campaigns gain added significance when considering the broader context of the Kingdom's transportation sector development. The Saudi railway network is a vital artery and a cornerstone of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 , which aims to transform Saudi Arabia into a global logistics hub connecting three continents. Railways play a pivotal role in transporting passengers, goods, and minerals, contributing to the national economy and fostering sustainable development across the various regions served by the network.
Promoting a culture of safety and community engagement
Through its "Safer for You" campaign and other national field initiatives, SAR seeks to instill the concept of safety as a shared responsibility. The goal extends beyond simply enforcing penalties; it also includes raising public awareness of the dangers of unsafe behaviors such as crossing tracks at undesignated areas or tampering with facilities. This approach aligns with international safety standards in the rail transport sector, where securing the track right-of-way is crucial for ensuring smooth traffic flow and reducing accidents, which positively impacts operational efficiency and the quality of services provided to citizens and residents.
