Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) announced the readiness of the Haramain High-Speed Railway to receive pilgrims, and revealed its operational plan for Hajj season 1445 AH at its five stations linking Makkah to Madinah. The 453-kilometre railway passes through the main Jeddah station, located in the Sulaymaniyah district, King Abdulaziz Airport station, in Jeddah, and King Abdullah Economic City.
As part of the plan, the number of seats available for Hajj pilgrims increased by about 100,000, compared to last year, bringing the total number of seats to 1.6 million. This expansion also considers the addition of more than 430 new trips to last year’s trips, raising the number of trips scheduled in the operational plan for this year to more than 3,800 from the beginning of Dhu al-Qi’dah to Dhu al-Hijjah 19th; the numbers of trips on peak days will be 126.
The Haramain High-Speed Railway train ranks among the 10 fastest electric trains globally; it reaches 300 kilometers per hour, and operates a fleet of 35 trains, with a capacity of 417 seats per train. It functions based on an environment-friendly system and zero carbon emissions and plays an important role in preserving roads’ infrastructure by reducing road traffic.
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The enhancements to the Haramain High-Speed Train services by Saudi Arabia Railways mark a significant improvement in transportation for Hajj pilgrims. The increase in trips and seats ensures that more pilgrims can travel comfortably and efficiently between key religious sites. These measures not only benefit the pilgrims by providing a more seamless travel experience but also support local tourism businesses by driving economic growth. The environmentally friendly and high-speed nature of the train underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainable and efficient transportation solutions, making the Hajj experience more accessible and enjoyable for all pilgrims.
