Haramain High-Speed Railway to transport 2m pilgrims during Hajj
The Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) is continuing to implement its operational plan for the Hajj season through the Haramain High-Speed Railway, one of the fastest trains in the world, with speeds reaching up to 300 km/h.
SAR has scheduled more than 4,700 trips throughout the season, providing over two million seats for pilgrims - an increase of more than 400,000 seats compared to last season, reported SPA.
This expansion is part of SAR's broader efforts to facilitate pilgrims' travel and enhance their overall experience.
The Haramain High-Speed Railway is a key component of the kingdom's national transportation network.
Designed to provide a smart and highly efficient mode of travel, it links key religious and economic cities along a 453-km electric rail line, with five main stations: Makkah, Jeddah (Central Station), King Abdulaziz International Airport, King Abdullah Economic City, and Madinah, stated the report.
The station at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah is the largest of its kind globally in terms of integration with an international airport.
It enables seamless passenger transfers between flights and rail without exiting the airport premises, enhancing the interconnectivity between air and land travel, it stated.
In cooperation with relevant entities, SAR is also continuing its 'Hajj Without a Baggage' initiative for the second consecutive year.
The programme ensures that pilgrims' luggage is transported directly from their departure airports to their accommodations in Makkah, allowing them to travel aboard the Haramain Railway immediately upon arrival without handling their baggage, said the SPA report.
The Haramain High-Speed Railway reflects the Kingdom's commitment to developing modern infrastructure that supports integrated, safe, and environmentally sustainable public transport. It plays a vital role in raising the efficiency and quality of services offered to pilgrims, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, it added.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Trade Arabia
4 hours ago
- Trade Arabia
Kidana completes first phase of tent project in Mina
Saudi-based Kidana Development Company, the executive arm of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, has successfully completed the first phase of its double-storey tent project at Mina in the Makkah province, representing approximately 75% of the total project carried out in partnership with the private sector. The project is part of a comprehensive development plan designed to enrich the pilgrim experience, increase capacity, and improve the quality of accommodation services in Mina, thus ensuring a comfortable and safe residential environment for pilgrims, said a statement from Kidana. The first phase, developed in collaboration with a national company, covers more than 20,000 sq m and includes over 40 buildings equipped with more than 550 restrooms. The construction was completed in approximately 100 days using various techniques that accelerated implementation and delivered robust, flexible solutions capable of withstanding weather fluctuations, it stated. During the Hajj season, approximately 8,000 pilgrims from various Hajj packages, both domestic and international, are expected to use the site, it added. According to Kidana, this limited deployment will serve as a critical test of the project's effectiveness and its suitability for meeting the diverse needs of pilgrims, potentially paving the way for expansion across the holy sites. The full project is scheduled for completion by next year's Hajj season, with an expected capacity of up to 20,000 pilgrims. The double-storey tent initiative is set to significantly enhance the quality of accommodation services in the holy sites, enriching the pilgrim experience by providing a safe and organized residential environment that supports their well-being and meets diverse needs.
Trade Arabia
4 hours ago
- Trade Arabia
Korean group to develop hitech mobility solutions for Diriyah project
Diriyah Company, a dynamic mixed-use developer transforming Saudi Arabia's historic birthplace into a vibrant new capital of culture and entertainment, has signed an agreement with Korea's Kakao Mobility, thus setting the stage for development and deployment of advanced mobility technologies within the first phase of its flagship sub-project under the broader Diriyah master plan. A unit of Saudi sovereign wealth fund PIF, Diriyah is helping shape the future of Saudi Arabia's most iconic destination, thus honouring its heritage while embracing innovation. Diriyah Company said this strategic partnership aims to leverage innovative smart parking technologies and develop digital platforms that promote seamless, efficient mobility for its residents and visitors. Under this agreement, both parties will collaborate on an in-depth assessment to support the development of smart parking infrastructure and digital platforms at selected sites within the first phase of the Diriyah project. This includes integrating digital parking systems, enabling seamless data connectivity, optimizing user experiences, and designing efficient operational workflows, it stated. Group CEO Jerry Inzerillo said the agreement marks a significant advancement in smart mobility, affirming the company's commitment to delivering world-class projects that will serve millions of visitors, enhance quality of life in Diriyah, and support the broader goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
Biz Bahrain
9 hours ago
- Biz Bahrain
BAS Enhances Operational Readiness to Meet Peak Travel Demand During Hajj, Eid, and the Summer Holiday Season
As part of its ongoing commitment to operational excellence and outstanding customer service, Bahrain Airport Services (BAS) has implemented a comprehensive readiness plan in preparation for the peak travel seasons, including Hajj, Eid Al-Adha, and the summer holidays. The plan is designed to ensure smooth operations, enhance efficiency, and deliver a safe and comfortable travel experience for passengers at Bahrain International Airport during the busy period from June through August. BAS's preparations include a series of advanced operational measures, such as expanding capacity, strengthening workforce deployment across key operational areas, and activating flexible logistical support strategies. The company also enhanced its baggage handling and passenger flow systems while intensifying coordination efforts with government authorities and airline partners. These efforts are supported by BAS's advanced digital platforms, which provide real-time operational updates to improve service quality and enable swift decision-making around the clock. BAS also focused on upskilling its frontline employees by training over 400 Terminal Services staff members through the 'Customer Service Excellence' program, delivered in collaboration with EMIC Training Institute and led by experienced aviation industry professionals. Additionally, a series of interactive in-house workshops were held covering essential skills such as effective communication, time management, stress management and teamwork, empowering the personnel to perform confidently in a dynamic airport environment. As part of its human capital development strategy, BAS welcomed more than 30 new trainees into vital departments, including Human Capital, Information Technology, Ground Support Equipment, Training, and Finance. Furthermore, over 60 new employees were hired and trained to join the workforce ahead of peak season operations, including 14 in the Catering Department and 50 in Airside Operations and Terminal Services. This proactive recruitment approach allowed sufficient time for onboarding and integration across operational teams. On the airside, BAS enhanced the efficiency of flight operations by strengthening communication protocols to improve turnaround performance. Workforce deployment strategies were reviewed and adjusted to match the anticipated rise in passenger traffic across airside and terminal zones. A full assessment of Ground Support Equipment (GSE) was carried out, and transportation schedules were optimized to ensure adequate staffing.. Additionally, field Standards & Compliance teams were deployed across all operational zones to monitor service quality and provide on-the-spot corrections and coaching as needed. Commenting on the company's readiness, Mr. Nabeel Khalid Kanoo, Chairman of the Board at BAS, stated: 'We take great pride in the level of readiness and professionalism consistently demonstrated by our teams during these critical operational periods. Peak seasons are a true test of our ability to plan and respond effectively, and we have successfully met that challenge through field-driven efforts, early coordination with partners, and the integration of well-trained, qualified personnel. These achievements reflect the high level of professionalism our teams uphold and the quality of service we are committed to delivering, as we continue to support Bahrain's position as a leading regional hub in the aviation sector.' BAS remains firmly committed to operational excellence in ground handling services, combining innovation, training, and strategic planning to reinforce its position as a trusted aviation partner and to further enhance the travel experience at Bahrain International Airport during the busiest period of the year.
