Saudi Railways (SAR) announced the completion of full operational readiness for the Al-Mashaaer Al-Mugaddassah Metro and the commencement of its service to pilgrims during the 1447 AH Hajj season. This strategic step reflects the high level of preparedness of the system to provide safe, reliable, and comfortable transportation for pilgrims, ensuring they can perform their rituals with complete peace of mind.
Historical context and importance of the Holy Sites Train
The Makkah Metro was inaugurated in November 2010 as a radical and innovative solution to the enormous logistical challenges of transporting millions of pilgrims within a limited geographical area and a short timeframe. This massive project has eliminated the need for tens of thousands of buses, resulting in unprecedented traffic congestion reductions and lower carbon emissions, making it one of the most important environmentally friendly projects in the region serving pilgrims annually.
A precise operational system and realistic simulation
SAR has completed its preparations through continuous coordination and integration with various stakeholders, most notably security and service agencies. To ensure the highest safety standards, the company conducted three comprehensive simulation exercises accurately replicating Hajj season conditions. These exercises aimed to test all systems, trains, and stations, and enhance operational efficiency to guarantee a safe and efficient start during the busy Hajj period.
Huge capacity and smooth movement
The Holy Sites Train operates on five different routes, carefully designed to align with the movement patterns of pilgrims between the holy sites according to their rituals. The train is a vital component of the Hajj system, conducting over 2,000 trips during the Hajj season to transport more than two million passengers. The fleet consists of 17 trains, each with a capacity of 3,000 passengers, for a total transport capacity exceeding 72,000 passengers per hour. The train connects nine stations distributed across the holy sites of Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Mina, extending to the fourth level of the Jamarat Bridge, thus enhancing the flow of traffic and the safety of the crowds.
Local and international impact and alignment with Vision 2030
The operation of the Al-Mashaaer Metro is part of an integrated system supporting the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and the Guests of God Service Program. Internationally, this project highlights the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's exceptional ability to manage millions of pilgrims and presents a global model for mass transit. It is worth noting that the operation and maintenance of the metro were entrusted to SAR by Cabinet Resolution No. 538, dated September 16, 1440 AH (corresponding to 2019 CE), to enhance the quality of services provided.
Haramain High-Speed Railway: Integration in Transportation
In a related context, SAR had previously announced its operational plan for the Haramain High-Speed Railway for the 1447 AH Hajj season, which includes providing more than 2.21 million seats through the operation of over 5,300 trips. The railway line extends for approximately 453 kilometers and is one of the fastest trains in the world, reaching speeds of up to 300 kilometers per hour, thus completing an efficient transportation network to serve pilgrims from their arrival until their departure.
