28-05-2025
Hajj 2025: Saudi Arabia Expands ‘White Road' to Enhance Pilgrims Comfort
Saudi Arabia's Roads General Authority (RGA) has launched an expanded cooled pedestrian walkway project in Makkah City, aiming to significantly enhance accessibility services for individuals with disabilities. The project, known as the 'White Road' initiative, has been expanded by an impressive 82% since its initial launch in 2023.
More than 84,000 square meters of roads in Arafat have now been paved using locally sourced recycled materials. These materials are specifically designed to reduce heat absorption from sunlight, creating a more comfortable environment for all. According to RGA, these innovative materials lower surface temperatures by approximately 12°C. Additionally, they reflect 30–40% more sunlight during morning hours, effectively mitigating urban heat islands. Improving Pilgrims Comfort
The launch ceremony took place under the patronage of Eng. Saleh Al Jasser, the Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Services. During the event, Al Jasser highlighted the importance of these initiatives in enhancing air quality and comfort for pilgrims. The project features air-cooling mist systems and water fountains, developed in collaboration with the Abdulrahman Fakieh Charitable Foundation.
Al Jasser noted that the growth of flexible rubber roads has increased by 33%. These surfaces aim to soften asphalt in pedestrian areas, providing significant advantages for older adults. The newly laid section extends from Namira Mosque to Arafat Train Station, raising the overall flexible pavement area to 16,000 square meters. Research conducted by the Road Research Centre has validated the improved comfort and safety of this advanced rubberized asphalt. Commitment to Accessibility
Furthermore, the Minister introduced an accessibility initiative designed to support individuals with disabilities. This initiative includes a 4,000-meter pedestrian path leading to Mount Arafat. Built with cooled paving materials, this path minimizes vibrations and enhances mobility for users and their companions.
Al Jasser emphasized that RGA aims to elevate the quality of roads to rank sixth globally by 2030. The authority also seeks to reduce road fatalities to fewer than five per 100,000 people. Currently, Saudi Arabia boasts the world's leading intercity road connectivity, with a total network exceeding 73,000 kilometers.
This comprehensive expansion of the cooled pedestrian walkway project in Makkah underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to innovation, sustainability, and accessibility.
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