Project Overview
In 2024, Glory Rail supplied a customized tunnel rail system and supporting steel structures for the Jeddah Airport Eastern Tunnel Sewage Carrier Line project in Saudi Arabia.
The East Jeddah Tunnel is a strategic wastewater infrastructure project. It extends approximately 14 kilometers from Al-Haramain Road to Airport Lift Station 2 and serves more than 10 major districts in Jeddah. With an investment exceeding SAR 774 million (approximately USD 206 million), the project plays a critical role in improving wastewater transportation capacity and supporting the city’s long-term urban development.
The project required a reliable internal transportation and maintenance system capable of operating in a challenging underground environment. Glory Rail was selected as the primary supplier and technical partner for the tunnel’s rail systems and customized structural steel accessories.
Customized Tunnel Rail System Solution
For this underground sewage carrier tunnel, Glory Rail provided a complete solution covering rail transportation, maintenance access, and supporting structures.
The supplied products included:
- 22kg steel rails and customized steel sleepers for the tunnel rail system
- Cable and pipe holders for utility support
- Walkway platforms and walkway holders for safe maintenance access
- Track pressure plates and related steel accessories
Unlike standard rail supply projects, tunnel applications require precise coordination between different components due to limited installation space and strict dimensional requirements. Therefore, Glory Rail focused not only on product manufacturing but also on engineering optimization to ensure smooth installation and long-term operation.
Engineering Support for Precise Tunnel Installation
One of the major challenges of this project was the complex underground working environment. The tunnel was constructed using 4.12-meter diameter EPB shields under challenging geological conditions involving coral limestone formations.
To minimize installation risks, Glory Rail provided additional engineering support before production.
Installation Simulation
Based on the customer’s requirements and project drawings, Glory Rail conducted a trial assembly of the tunnel rail system components in our workshop before production and shipment. By assembling the steel rails, sleepers, and related accessories according to the installation requirements, our engineering team verified the compatibility and accuracy of each component.
This verification process helped identify potential issues before delivery. Necessary adjustments were then made to ensure smoother installation and reduce construction risks.
Adjustable Pressure Plate Design
During the simulation process, Glory Rail proposed an adjustable track pressure plate design to accommodate minor variations in tunnel concrete segments.
This improvement provided greater flexibility during installation and helped maintain accurate rail alignment in the confined tunnel environment. The optimization suggestions were highly recognized by the client, as they effectively reduced installation difficulties and improved construction efficiency.
Strict Quality Control and Reliable Manufacturing
To meet the high standards required for Saudi Arabian infrastructure projects, Glory Rail implemented a comprehensive quality control process throughout manufacturing and inspection.
All steel rails and customized structural components underwent strict inspection, including:
- Material verification
- Dimensional inspection
- Welding quality inspection
- Manufacturing process control
The complete inspection process was conducted under third-party supervision by Bureau Veritas (BV), ensuring that all supplied components complied with the project specifications and international quality requirements.
In addition to manufacturing quality, Glory Rail also paid special attention to transportation safety. Due to the irregular shapes of tunnel components, conventional packaging methods were not suitable. Our team tested multiple packaging solutions and developed customized loading methods to ensure safe container transportation.
As a result, all products arrived at the project site without damage or deformation, maintaining their original quality and installation accuracy.
Successful Project Delivery and Client Recognition
The tunnel rail system and supporting structures were successfully delivered and installed according to the project schedule.
According to feedback from the project site, the installation process was completed smoothly without major technical issues. The optimized design, accurate fabrication, and reliable logistics support helped ensure efficient project execution.
By providing a complete tunnel rail solution rather than only supplying materials, Glory Rail contributed to the successful construction of an important wastewater transportation system in Jeddah.
Conclusion
This Jeddah Airport Eastern Tunnel project demonstrates Glory Rail’s capability in delivering customized tunnel rail systems for complex underground infrastructure applications.
With experience in rail manufacturing, structural steel fabrication, engineering optimization, and international project support, Glory Rail continues to provide reliable solutions for wastewater tunnels, utility tunnels, and other large-scale infrastructure projects worldwide.