The builders of the Riyadh Metro have selected Otis for providing people-moving products to lines 4, 5 and 6 of the Saudi capital’s public transport project.

A statement from Otis Saudi Arabia said the company will supply 256 escalators, six moving walkways, and 183 machine-room-less elevators with travel speeds up to one metre per second, including fully glazed panoramic elevators. The heavy-duty escalators are specifically designed for public transportation.

Otis, the world’s largest manufacturer and maintainer of people-moving products and a unit of United Technologies Corp, was chosen by the FAST Consortium of companies constructing the Riyadh Metro. The consortium is led by Spanish construction group FCC and includes partners Samsung C&T, Alstom, Strukton and Freyssinet Saudi Arabia. It is contracted by the High Commission for the Development of Arriyadh.

The scope for Otis’ selection comprises all elevators and escalators within the three lines of the Metro for all stations across Riyadh, two train depots, and three car parking facilities over a total area of 72km. Otis, which operates in Saudi Arabia as Otis Elevator Company Saudi Arabia Limited, is part of a joint venture between Otis Elevator Company (New Jersey) and E.A. Juffali & Brothers in the kingdom.

The Riyadh Metro Project, said to be the backbone of the city’s future public transit system has six lines totaling 176km and 85 stations. It will serve most of the densely populated areas, public facilities, as well as educational, commercial and medical institutions of the Saudi capital and will be connected to King Khalid International Airport and King Abdullah Financial District, in addition to main universities and the downtown area.

“The Riyadh Metro will be one of the world’s biggest infrastructure projects, and we’re extremely proud to be part of this landmark project,” said Maged Nagib, vice president and managing director, Otis Middle East. “Otis is committed to Riyadh’s fast growth and high standards of efficiency and passenger comfort.”

Fernando Condinho, managing director, Otis Saudi Arabia, added: “We are honoured that our equipment has been selected for this prestigious project. The Riyadh Metro is a significant project for Saudi Arabia and its local community, and we are proud to be part of it.”