Saudi women may soon be operating the Haramain express train, which connects the holy towns of Makkah and Madinah and is scheduled to carry up to 60 million people per year.
As reported by Arab News, the Saudi Railway Polytechnic stated on Sunday that registration for the Haramain Express Train Leaders program for Saudi women had opened.
Female graduates will work alongside male colleagues who have completed earlier programs.
The program, which lasts a year and guarantees a job with Renfe KSA, one of the corporations running the high-speed rail project, is accessible for registration until Jan. 13 on the polytechnic's website.
According to Arab News, Abdul Aziz Al-Sugair, SRP general manager, said the training program will begin on Feb. 15 in Jeddah, and includes practical training at work sites linked to the rail project.
Following significant demand for the Haramain service, Saudi women are boosting the need for more certified drivers, he added.
During the training period, trainees will get a monthly bonus of SR4,000 ($1,065) and will be registered in the social insurance plan as an employee in training. Women will earn a monthly salary of up to SR8,000 after graduation..
“The daughters of the homeland constitute an important component of the fabric of young national talents worthy of localization, as they will contribute to the advancement of the railway industry and its sustainability. Their excellence will also contribute to raising efficiency and quality of services, and achieving the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 by transforming Saudi Arabia into a global logistical center,” Al-Sugair said.
