Al-Mashaaer Train: Transported 1.9 million pilgrims during the Hajj season of 1445 AH
Saudi Railways (SAR) announced the successful conclusion of its operations for the Holy Sites Train during the 1445 AH Hajj season, transporting over 1.9 million passengers between its nine stations in Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah. SAR explained that this achievement was accomplished through the operation of 1,800 trips over seven days, reflecting high operational efficiency and a commitment to the highest standards of safety and smooth service for the pilgrims.
Historical background and strategic importance
The Al-Mashaaer Al-Mugaddassah Metro, inaugurated in November 2010, is one of the most important strategic projects implemented by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to develop the transportation system during the Hajj season. The project was conceived as a radical solution to address the challenges of severe traffic congestion in the geographically limited area of the holy sites, which witnesses the gathering of millions of pilgrims simultaneously. Designed to be one of the world's most high-capacity metro lines, the metro aims to replace tens of thousands of buses, significantly reducing travel times between the holy sites and contributing to lower carbon emissions, thus preserving the environment in this sacred area.
Local and international impact of the system's success
Domestically, the successful operation of the Al-Mashaaer Al-Mugaddassah Metro highlights the Kingdom’s advanced organizational and logistical capabilities in managing the world’s largest annual human gathering. This project represents a cornerstone of the infrastructure dedicated to serving pilgrims and aligns directly with the goals of Vision 2030 and the “Serving the Guests of God” program, which aim to enrich the religious experience of pilgrims and facilitate their performance of the Hajj rituals. Internationally, this achievement is of paramount importance, given that the Hajj season is a global event that unites Muslims from all corners of the world. The efficiency and safety of the transportation system positively reflects on the Kingdom’s image as the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and presents a leading global model in crowd management and mass transit.
Details of the operational plan for the Hajj season
This year's operational plan witnessed a high volume of pilgrims, which was handled with complete efficiency, starting from the movement of pilgrims to Mount Arafat, through their departure to Muzdalifah, then their movement to Mina, and concluding with the pilgrims' movements during the days of Tashreeq towards the Jamarat Bridge. Dr. Bashar Al-Malik, CEO of SAR, affirmed that this success was due to the unlimited support of the wise leadership and the integrated efforts of all participating governmental and security agencies serving the pilgrims. He also commended the qualified national personnel who managed this complex system with high professionalism.
Future outlook and Vision 2030
This operational success confirms SAR’s commitment to continuing to develop its capabilities and enhance its readiness for the upcoming Hajj seasons, in order to serve the objectives of Vision 2030, raise the quality of services provided to the pilgrims, and ensure their movement between the holy sites with ease and peace of mind, to achieve a safe and convenient Hajj experience.
