Triggers of Schedule Overrun in Construction of Railway Projects; A Quantitative Analysis of Rail Transportation Networks in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), a nation of vast scale and economic influence, ranks among the world’s top 25 economies and leads the Arab world. However, it faces significant disparities in its transportation infrastructure. The importance of railway projects in KSA cannot be overstated, as modern electric railway networks including long-distance rails and metro systems within cities—serve as foundational pillars for economic growth and social development. These projects are critical for reducing reliance on fossil fuels, lowering carbon emissions, and fostering cleaner air and a more sustainable environment. With the global emphasis on fast, secure, and convenient transportation networks, extensive research has explored schedule overruns in railway construction projects. Recognizing the need for seamless and timely delivery in upcoming transportation projects, it is crucial to analyze and address the triggers of schedule overruns faced by professionals during the construction of transportation networks in KSA. This study adopts a quantitative analysis approach, involving a brief review of schedule overrun triggers highlighted in the literature and evaluated by construction professionals based on their field experience during the execution of railway (metro and train) projects in Saudi Arabia. Out of a sample size of 291, a total of 230 responses were found to be accurate. The data was then quantitatively evaluated using statistical tools. The study reveals that the primary schedule overrun triggers in railway construction projects, with higher Frequency Impact Index (FII) related to construction parties, include: “changes initiated after completion of work,” “inefficient selection of contractors,” “lack of coordination,” “delays in approval of documents,” “non-compliance with specifications,” and “material delays by suppliers.” These triggers were ranked by professionals based on their experience. The findings of this study provide crucial insights for the Saudi Arabian railway construction industry, offering a refined approach to optimize future projects. Specifically, it aims to contribute to the industry’s growth by identifying and mitigating key trigger factors that may cause schedule overruns in railway developments.