Latest news with #HaramainRailway
Arab News
3 days ago
- General
- Arab News
4,900 train journeys and 2m passengers expected on holy sites metro over 7 days of Hajj
RIYADH: Trains on the Al-Mashaaer Al-Mugaddassah Metro Line are expected to complete a total of 4,900 journeys, carrying up to 2 million passengers, in the space of just seven days during Hajj. The metro, known in English as the Sacred Sites Train Line, is a high-capacity rail system in Makkah that operates for only seven days a year, during Hajj, as a shuttle service to take pilgrims to and from holy sites. Offering insights on Monday into the transportation systems that will serve pilgrims, Saleh Al-Zuwaid, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services, said comprehensive preparations have been taking place ahead of the annual pilgrimage across all travel sectors, including air, land, sea and logistics. 'So far, 3,314 flights from 238 destinations in 71 countries, via 62 air carriers, have arrived in the Kingdom,' he said. There has been a 75 percent increase in the number of trips on Haramain High Speed Railway, compared with last year, he added, and a 'Hajj without Luggage' initiative allows pilgrims arriving in Saudi Arabia to travel to Makkah by train while their luggage is transported separately for convenience. In addition, more than 25,000 buses have been provided to ensure the safe and comfortable movement of pilgrims, backed by an extensive inspections process, he said. The latest technology, including artificial intelligence, is also being deployed to enhance transportation, Al-Zuwaid said. A fleet of vehicles equipped with AI is scanning the Kingdom's roads, from arrival ports to the holy sites, to help improve safety and ensure necessary maintenance is carried out. This year, these advanced technologies have helped to maintain 7,400 kilometers of roads leading to the holy sites. Detailing advances in digital infrastructure, Saad Al-Shanbari, a spokesperson for Hajj communications and technology, said that 4G and 5G coverage in Makkah, Madinah and at the holy sites now exceeds 99 percent, with significant increases in internet speeds. More than 10,500 Wi-Fi access points have been installed to enrich the digital experience for pilgrims, he added, and AI-powered crowd-management and specialized communication systems have been implemented in collaboration with Aramco Digital, to help ensure a reliable digital experience throughout Hajj season. The spokespersons reaffirmed their commitment to providing the best possible services and encouraged pilgrims to adhere to official guidelines designed to enhance their experiences and ensure their safety. Hajj begins on Wednesday, June 4, and will continue until Monday, June 9.
Zawya
08-05-2025
- Zawya
Saudi Haramain Railway to offer nearly 2mln seats for Haj season, up by 25%
Jeddah: Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) will provide nearly two million seats for pilgrims traveling via the Haramain High-Speed Railway as part of its operational plan for the 1446 AH Hajj season—an increase of 25%, or 400,000 seats, compared to the previous season. This increase confirms SAR's full preparedness to serve pilgrims in accordance with the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and quality. During this year's Hajj season, 4,768 trips will be operated between Dhu al-Qi'dah 1 and Dhu al-Hijjah 20. The Haramain High-Speed Railway runs along a 453-kilometer track connecting five main stations: Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah's Sulaymaniyyah station, King Abdullah Economic City station, and King Abdulaziz International Airport station facilitating smooth and comfortable transport between the two holy cities. The Haramain High-Speed Railway plays a key role in transporting pilgrims as part of the Kingdom's modern mobility system. It is the fastest mode of transport between Makkah and Madinah, covering the distance in about two hours. As one of the ten fastest passenger trains in the world, the Haramain Railway operates at speeds of up to 300 kilometers per hour. Its fleet of 35 trains, each with a capacity of 417 seats, produces zero carbon emissions, making it an environmentally friendly solution that also helps reduce pressure on the road network and enhances the quality of transport for pilgrims. SAR leverages its experience and capabilities to provide safe and efficient transportation services that facilitate pilgrims' movement between the two holy cities. Its operational plan is part of a broader national effort to serve pilgrims and reflects its commitment to collaboration with various government entities. As a national enabler of smooth and rapid pilgrim transport, SAR contributes to achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aim to elevate the quality of services provided to pilgrims and ensure a sustainable and spiritually fulfilling journey.
Zawya
07-05-2025
- Zawya
Haramain Railway increases seats by 400,000 to transport pilgrims during Hajj season
RIYADH — Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) will provide nearly two million seats for pilgrims traveling via the Haramain High-Speed Railway as part of its operational plan for the Hajj season of 2025. This marks an increase of 25 percent or 400,000 seats, compared to the previous season. This increase confirms SAR's full preparedness to serve pilgrims in accordance with the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and quality. During this year's Hajj season, 4,768 trips will be operated between Dhul Qada 1 (April 29) and Dhul Hijjah 20. The Haramain High-Speed Railway runs along a 453-kilometer track connecting five main stations: Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah's Sulaymaniyyah station, King Abdulaziz International Airport station and King Abdullah Economic City station, facilitating smooth and comfortable transport between the two holy cities. The Haramain High-Speed Railway plays a key role in transporting pilgrims as part of the Kingdom's modern mobility system. It is the fastest mode of transport between Makkah and Madinah, covering the distance in about two hours. As one of the ten fastest passenger trains in the world, the Haramain Railway operates at speeds of up to 300 kilometers per hour. Its fleet of 35 trains, each with a capacity of 417 seats, produces zero carbon emissions, making it an environmentally friendly solution that also helps reduce pressure on the road network and enhances the quality of transport for pilgrims. SAR leverages its experience and capabilities to provide safe and efficient transportation services that facilitate pilgrims' movement between the two holy cities. Its operational plan is part of a broader national effort to serve pilgrims and reflects its commitment to collaboration with various government entities. As a national enabler of smooth and rapid pilgrim transport, SAR contributes to achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aim to elevate the quality of services provided to pilgrims and ensure a sustainable and spiritually fulfilling journey. © Copyright 2022 The Saudi Gazette. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
