Haramain High-Speed Railway prepares for Hajj season with 2.21 million seats
is The Haramain High-Speed Railway one of the most prominent strategic achievements in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and a key component of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 for developing the transportation infrastructure. With the Hajj season approaching, all eyes are on this mega-project, which has revolutionized transportation between the two holy cities. Historically, the Hajj journey took days and weeks, fraught with hardship. However, with the development of transportation methods, culminating in the official launch of this railway in 2018, the journey has been transformed into a safe and rapid experience, taking no more than two hours and twenty minutes. This reflects the leadership's commitment to facilitating Hajj and Umrah rituals and providing the utmost comfort for the pilgrims.
Specifications and speed of the Haramain High-Speed Railway
is ranked The Haramain High-Speed Railway among the top 10 fastest electric trains in the world, with an operational speed of up to 300 kilometers per hour. Utilizing state-of-the-art signaling and communication systems, the train is a cornerstone of the Saudi railway network expansion program. Spanning 453 kilometers, the railway connects Mecca and Medina, passing through Jeddah and King Abdullah Economic City, thus meeting growing demand and alleviating traffic congestion on highways.
King Abdulaziz International Airport Station
The project includes five main stations equipped to the highest standards. The train station at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah is the largest airport-connected train station in the world, spanning over 105,000 square meters. The station is connected to six platforms, facilitating the movement of arriving air passengers and their direct transfer to Mecca or Medina without needing to leave the airport, thus enhancing passenger flow and saving time and effort.
Capacity and service development
The fleet consists of 35 electric trains, each with a capacity of 417 passengers distributed across 13 carriages. These carriages include business and economy class cabins, as well as a dedicated restaurant compartment. The project has proven highly successful since its inception, transporting over 30 million passengers since commencing operations in March 2021. As part of Saudi Railways' (SAR) efforts to enhance the passenger experience, VIP lounges have been opened and ticket counters have been upgraded to include smart applications and self-service kiosks.
Local and international impact of transport development
The importance of this project extends beyond its role as a state-of-the-art transportation system; its impact will yield broad economic and social benefits. Locally, the project contributes to reducing carbon emissions and traffic accidents by providing a safe, sustainable, and environmentally friendly alternative. Regionally and internationally, the project reflects the Kingdom's exceptional ability to efficiently manage millions of pilgrims, reinforcing its leading position in serving the guests of God and supporting the religious tourism sector, a vital contributor to the national economy.
An exceptional plan for the Hajj season with 2.21 million seats
In preparation for this year's Hajj season, the Saudi Railway Company (SAR) has developed a comprehensive operational plan to accommodate the expected surge in demand. From the 1st to the 20th of Dhul-Hijjah, more than 5,300 trips will be operated, providing over 2.21 million seats – an increase of 210,000 seats compared to last year. To ensure the comfort of pilgrims, a temporary waiting area has been established at the Madinah station, and the number of shuttle buses between the station and the Prophet's Mosque has been increased to guarantee a seamless and convenient spiritual experience.
