Latest news with #MashaerMetroTrain
Saudi Gazette
3 days ago
- Health
- Saudi Gazette
Over 23,000 buses deployed while Mashaer Train transports 604,000 pilgrims
Saudi Gazette Report MINA — More than 23,000 buses were deployed across three shuttle routes, supplemented by traditional modes of transportation during this year's Hajj, according to the control room at the Public Transport Center of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites. This effort, part of the largest transport fleet operating in a single area worldwide, achieved a record time for Tawaf Al-Ifadah, demonstrating exceptional professionalism and precise operational coordination. Moreover, the Mashaer Metro Train maintained its efficient performance, transporting over 604,000 pilgrims since its launch of operation for this year's Hajj on Tuesday. These were distributed across three main movements: Movement A with more than 27,000 passengers, Movement B with 283,000, and Movement C—the highest—with 294,000, reflecting the system's strong operational efficiency. In the health sector, the Ministry of Health continued to provide integrated services through its facilities across the holy sites. The number of health services provided exceeded 125,573, including advanced procedures such as 216 cardiac catheterizations and 18 open-heart surgeries, all performed efficiently by qualified Saudi medical personnel. This outcome confirms the high level of health preparedness and the development of national medical capabilities. In the same context, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah reported that it has conducted over 5.5 million electronic readings of the Nusuk Card as part of its technical plans to enhance pilgrim services and improve organizational safety. Meanwhile, the Pilgrims Care Center, through the unified number 1966, has provided more than 310,000 services since the beginning of the season, including inquiries and direct support. Additionally, field teams from the Compliance Centers have carried out over 65,000 inspection tours of service providers to reinforce compliance and improve performance quality. These integrated efforts reflect the strong coordination among various entities involved in Hajj, under the guidance of the wise leadership and in line with the objectives of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which aims to advance the Hajj system, harness modern technology, enhance the pilgrim experience, and enable them to perform their rituals in a safe, organized environment prepared to the highest international standards.
Saudi Gazette
5 days ago
- Climate
- Saudi Gazette
Most pilgrims remain inside their camps in Arafat until 4 p.m.
Saudi Gazette report ARAFAT — Most pilgrims remained inside their camps in Arafat until 4 p.m., in line with the directives of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. This precautionary measure is intended to ensure their safety during the peak hours of the day when temperatures are high. The directive helped bringing down the huge crowd of pilgrims around the Namira Mosque under sweltering sun while offering the Arafat sermon and performing Dhuhr and Asr prayers. The ministry also stressed the importance of adhering to the approved grouping plans and following designated transportation schedules. It underscored the necessity of strictly using official means of transportation, such as buses and the Mashaer Metro Train while prohibiting walking between sites, as this poses risks to pilgrims' safety and disrupts the orderly flow of traffic. These directives are part of the ministry's ongoing efforts to enhance the safety and comfort of pilgrims and to ensure a smooth and organized Hajj experience. The Ministry of Health monitored a number of heat stress cases among pilgrims on the Day of Arafah. In response, the ministry strongly emphasized the critical importance of avoiding direct exposure to the sun until 4 p.m. to safeguard pilgrims' health. The ministry urged pilgrims to use umbrellas, increase their water intake, and adhere to group planning. It underscored the continuous efforts of medical teams to monitor and treat cases, all as part of the health sector's comprehensive endeavors for a safe and healthy Hajj.
Saudi Gazette
7 days ago
- General
- Saudi Gazette
Mashaer Train begins Hajj trips on Tuesday
Saudi Gazette report MINA — The Mashaer Metro Train made its first trip on Tuesday morning in preparation for the Hajj season, which begins on Wednesday when Hajj pilgrims heading to Mina to spend the Day of Tarwiyah. The train will operate 2,000 trips to transport two million pilgrims during the Hajj season. As part of its national role in serving pilgrims and in line with the Kingdom's efforts to enhance transportation systems and improve service quality during the Hajj season, the Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) has announced the full operational readiness of the Mashaer Train for the Hajj season. SAR has completed its preparations in coordination with various relevant entities, particularly security and service authorities. Comprehensive operational preparation included nearly 12,000 trial trips since last January, in addition to four full-scale simulation exercises accurately replicating the conditions of the Hajj season to test the readiness of systems, trains, and stations and ensure safe and efficient operations. The Mashaer Train operates on five distinct service patterns tailored to different Hajj rituals, making it a unique transport system globally. During the Hajj season, the train is scheduled to carry out its operations with high efficiency and precise organization within those five operational patterns. SAR also conducted extensive maintenance and rigorous testing on all facilities and stations of the project to ensure their readiness and compliance with safety and quality standards. The train connects nine stations across the holy sites of Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Mina, with the final station in Mina located on the fourth level of the Jamarat Bridge, enhancing the smooth movement and safety of pilgrims. The Mashaer Train is one of the region's most remarkable sustainable transport projects. It operates a fleet of 17 trains, each with a capacity of 3,000 passengers, enabling a total transport capacity exceeding 72,000 passengers per hour. This helps reduce congestion in the holy sites, lower carbon emissions, and provide a smart, safe, and environmentally friendly travel experience. The operation of the train reflects SAR's commitment to supporting Saudi Vision 2030 by enabling a reliable, efficient, and sustainable transport experience for pilgrims, showcasing the Kingdom's advanced infrastructure and improving the quality of services provided.
