The Haramain High-Speed Railway operates over 140 daily trips during Ramadan
Unprecedented operational achievement for the Haramain train during Ramadan
Saudi Railways (SAR) announced an exceptional operational achievement by increasing the number of daily trips on the Haramain High-Speed Railway to more than 140 during the last ten days of Ramadan 1447 AH. This proactive measure is part of the approved operational plan for the Ramadan season, aimed at accommodating the anticipated surge in the number of pilgrims and visitors during this spiritual period, which witnesses peak travel between Makkah and Madinah.
Historical context and importance of the project
The Haramain High-Speed Railway, officially launched in late 2018, is one of the largest public transportation projects in the Middle East and the region's first electric high-speed rail line. This strategic project was established in response to the urgent need for safe and rapid transportation for the millions of pilgrims who visit the Kingdom annually. The railway connects Mecca and Medina, passing through Jeddah Central Station, King Abdulaziz International Airport, and King Abdullah Economic City in Rabigh, forming a vital artery linking the most important cities in the Western Region.
Details of the operational plan for the Ramadan season
The Saudi Railways Company (SAR) explained that its plan for this season includes operating 3,662 scheduled and additional trips, with a massive capacity exceeding 1.7 million seats. This expansion provides flexible and multiple transportation options around the clock, directly contributing to facilitating the movement of pilgrims and reducing waiting times at stations during peak periods. The trains operate at speeds of up to 300 kilometers per hour, shortening the journey time between the two holy cities to approximately two hours, compared to more than four hours via traditional road routes.
Local, regional and international impact
This increase in operational capacity has a wide-ranging positive impact on several levels:
- At the local level: It contributes to easing the crippling traffic congestion on the highways between Mecca, Jeddah and Medina, and reduces carbon emissions, thus supporting the Kingdom’s efforts in environmental protection and sustainability.
- At the regional and international level: It enhances the positive mental image of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a leading country that possesses world-class infrastructure, capable of managing millions of crowds efficiently and competently, which positively reflects on the experience of the Muslim coming from anywhere in the world.
Alignment with the Kingdom's Vision 2030
These tremendous efforts are an extension of the Saudi Railways' role in enabling a modern and reliable transportation system. They also reflect the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to serving pilgrims and facilitating their travel with ease and peace of mind. These steps are fully aligned with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, specifically the Pilgrim Service Program, which aims to host 30 million Umrah pilgrims annually by 2030, as well as the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which seeks to enhance connectivity and improve the quality of the Kingdom's transportation system to become a global logistics hub.
