Thomas Kautzor writes of his visit between 3rd and 5th May 2024 and a
further 4 day visit in December 2025 (parts 6 and 7).
(km 697)
(km 719)
The next three stations are all just next to the not yet completed new Tabuk – Medina 2x 4-lane Expressway, after which the line follows some wadis through a mountain range.
Wadi Athili (km 720):
25-man fort
Sahr al-Ghul (km 732):
15-man fort
Dar al-Hajj (Al Awjariyah) (km 743):
15-man fort
Al Mustabaghah (km 752):
25-man fort and barracks ruins
Not visited
Al-Baghaz / Al Akhdar Tunnel (km 756):
See also Part 6.
160m tunnel, the only one on the Saudi section,
Not visited barracks ruins
Akhdar (km 761):
ruined 15-man fort
Not visited
Akhdar Alimantasyon (km 765):
25-man fort, cistern and pump house
Khamisa (km 782):
25-man fort
From here the line follows route 375 to Al Ula.
Disad (Al Khanzira (km 807):
15-man fort
Qal’at Al Muazzam (km 828/830):
This was a watering station with a triangle, a one-storey station, a 15 man fort, some stores, a 2-tank water tower and a large reservoir. A short branch led to another reservoir with
a pump house next to the old Ottoman castle.
(km 838)
Kashm Sana’a (km 853):
25-man fort, ballast storage
Dar al Hamra (Al Buriekah) (km 885):
25-man fort,
The highest point of the line at either 1150m or 1200m was either north or south of this station (depending on sources).
Al Mutali (km 904):
25-man fort
Abu Taqah (km 938):
25-man fort
Mabrakat al-Naka (km 946):
ruined 25-man fort
Not visited
Medain Saleh (km 958):
See also Part 6.
Next to an Ottoman castle, this was a major station with 16 railway buildings including a loco shed/workshops, a 25-man fort and a 2-tank water tower. Around the turn of century it had been restored as a museum site and was used as the northern entrance to the Hegra archeological site. On display inside the loco shed were 2-6-0 60 (Jung 963/1906, ex 31), which had been under repair at the time when the railway was shut down, as well as three wagons (two covered). Standing next to the shed was No. 60’s tender, while a number of derelict wagons were spread around the yard.
By 10.2013, 2-8-0 157 or 158 (Hartmann 2292 or 2293/1912) was brought from Medina and put on display in the yard together with two tenders and eight restored covered bogie wagons. By 04.2023, another two wagons were added to the lineup.
By 2023, the entire site was transformed into the The Chedi Hegra hotel complex, which opened in 12.2024. The loco shed/workshops have been turned into the Prima Classe Restaurant, with No. 60 still inside and having regained its original No. 31 after restoration. The Ottoman castle is being turned into another restaurant and the stationary steam engine house into a Saudi Café. All other items of rolling stock, including loco No. 157/158 appear to have left the site.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/4daPZYMXnH61Tb4h8
Wadi Hashish (Al Atheeb) (km 973):
25-man fort
Al Ula (km 980/983):
See also Part 6
The town of Al Ula was the site of a loco shed at the opening of the line, but shortly thereafter it was relocated to Medain Saleh. The unrestored station complex, comprising a two-storey station, a two-tank water tower with wind pump and a 25-man fort, is part of the AlManshiyah Plaza, which also comprises cafés, food stalls, souvenir shops, children’s playing areas and a live-performance stage.
At the time of my visit, an art installation representing Ghana Railways by Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahama was on display at the site, part of Desert X AlUla
2024, final picture.
Across the road from the station are the remains of eight bogie wagons in various stages of decay, ranging from almost complete covered wagon Khf 1280 to bare chassis buried in the dirt.
