Al-Mashaaer Train: “SAR” efficiently transports 314,000 pilgrims during Hajj
Saudi Railways (SAR) announced a remarkable operational achievement during this year's Hajj season, with the number of passengers transported via the Al-Mashaaer Al-Mugaddassah Metro exceeding 314,000. This record number was reached from the start of the train's operation, specifically from the morning of the day before yesterday until the completion of transporting pilgrims to Mount Arafat at 11:00 AM today. This achievement highlights the pivotal role of the Al-Mashaaer Metro in facilitating the movement of pilgrims and ensuring their comfort and safety during the Hajj rituals.
SAR continues its tireless efforts to serve the pilgrims, with the third train service of the Holy Sites Metro scheduled to depart at 7:00 PM this Tuesday, transporting pilgrims from Arafat to Muzdalifah. This service is a key component of SAR's comprehensive operational plan for the Hajj season, which aims to transport a massive number of pilgrims between the holy sites smoothly and efficiently.
The Holy Sites Train: A fundamental pillar in the Hajj system
The Holy Sites Metro is one of the most prominent mega-projects implemented by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to serve pilgrims. This vital project was launched in 2010 with the primary objective of alleviating the severe traffic congestion that the holy sites (Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah) experienced during the Hajj season, and providing a safe, fast, and comfortable means of transportation for pilgrims. The metro line extends for 18 kilometers and includes nine strategically located stations to serve pilgrims in these holy areas.
Before the train was built, transporting pilgrims between the holy sites relied heavily on buses and private vehicles, leading to severe traffic congestion that lasted for hours and increased the hardship for pilgrims and the challenges of organization. The Al-Mashaaer Metro revolutionized this aspect, offering an advanced logistical solution that significantly reduces travel time and contributes to environmental protection by decreasing carbon emissions from traditional transportation methods.
Importance and expected impact
The figures announced by SAR reflect the high efficiency and operational readiness of the Holy Sites Train, and underscore its crucial role in the success of the Hajj season. Locally, this achievement reinforces the Kingdom's position as a leader in crowd management and providing the best services to pilgrims, highlighting its massive investments in infrastructure. Regionally and internationally, the train enhances the Hajj experience for millions of Muslims from around the world, increasing overall satisfaction and ensuring the performance of the rituals with ease and peace of mind.
The operational plan for the Al-Mashaaer Al-Mugaddassah Metro (Medina Metro) this season includes more than 2,000 trips, aiming to transport over two million passengers throughout the Hajj period. This ambitious plan reflects the metro's enormous capacity and the meticulous planning undertaken each season. The success of these operations is a testament to the Kingdom's commitment to continuously developing and modernizing Hajj services to ensure the comfort and safety of pilgrims and to achieve the goals of Vision 2030 in hosting larger numbers of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.
