Haramain High-Speed Railway: 3,662 trips and 1.7 million seats during Ramadan
A qualitative leap in the transportation sector to serve the pilgrims
The Haramain High-Speed Railway is one of the most prominent strategic projects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, representing a qualitative leap in the transportation sector. As part of its ongoing efforts to facilitate the movement of pilgrims, the railway's operational program achieved record numbers during the holy month of Ramadan, setting a high standard for efficient, safe, and rapid transportation. The train successfully transported millions of passengers between Mecca and Medina, maintaining precise schedules and effectively managing the high volume of visitors, facilitating their smooth and comfortable movement between the two holy cities.
Historical context and the Kingdom's Vision 2030
Since its official launch in September 2018, the Haramain High-Speed Railway has become a cornerstone in achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to host 30 million Umrah pilgrims annually by 2030. This project, the largest of its kind in the Middle East, was designed according to the latest international standards to connect the two holy cities with a double-track electrified railway network. This historic development has ended decades of total reliance on buses and cars, reducing traffic congestion and accidents on highways, and providing an environmentally friendly alternative that reflects the Kingdom's modernization.
Record numbers: 1.7 million seats during Ramadan
The exceptional operational plan included operating more than 3,662 trips during Ramadan, providing over 1.7 million seats for passengers, visitors, and pilgrims. In this context, Hussam Al-Shehri, Head of Corporate Communications at Saudi Railway Company (SAR), emphasized the company's commitment to accommodating the increased number of pilgrims. He explained that the company implemented a comprehensive operational plan, the largest of its kind, aimed at maximizing capacity and minimizing waiting times during peak periods.
Al-Shehri also noted that the number of daily trips during the last ten days of Ramadan has been increased to more than 140 per day. This measure was taken in response to the significant increase in the number of pilgrims, emphasizing the train's pioneering role in connecting Mecca and Medina, via Jeddah station and King Abdullah Economic City in Rabigh. With an operating speed of up to 300 km/h, the journey time between the two holy cities is reduced to approximately two hours in a comfortable and safe environment.
Fleet expansion and regional and international influence
Regionally and internationally, the successful operation of the Haramain High-Speed Railway reflects the Kingdom's exceptional ability to manage millions of passengers and provide world-class logistics services. To ensure the sustainability of this quality, operational and technical teams work around the clock to guarantee the highest levels of safety. In a strategic move to modernize its fleet, SAR recently signed an agreement to purchase 20 new trains from the leading Spanish manufacturer Talgo. These trains will be added to the existing fleet of 35, enhancing capacity to meet the increasing demand in the coming seasons.
Traveler experience and pilgrim satisfaction
These tremendous efforts have been reflected in the feelings of travelers at the Haramain High-Speed Railway stations, who have expressed a mixture of gratitude and complete satisfaction. Visitors praised the train's comfort, speed, and exceptional punctuality in departure and arrival times, despite the enormous passenger volume during peak hours. Traveling by train has become the preferred and first choice for pilgrims, highlighting the Kingdom's success in harnessing the latest technologies to serve Islam and Muslims and provide an unforgettable travel experience.
