The Haramain High-Speed Railway records its highest operational capacity during Ramadan
Saudi Railways (SAR) announced a new and exceptional achievement: 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 strategic step is part of the approved operational plan for the Ramadan season, aimed at accommodating the significant and anticipated increase in the number of pilgrims and visitors during this spiritual period, which witnesses peak travel between Makkah and Madinah.
SAR explained that the comprehensive plan for this season includes operating 3,662 trips, with a massive capacity exceeding 1.7 million seats. This expansion aims to provide flexible and diverse transportation options around the clock, directly contributing to facilitating the movement of pilgrims and reducing waiting times at stations during peak periods, while maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety.
The development process of the Haramain High-Speed Railway project
The Haramain High-Speed Railway is one of the largest public transportation projects in the Middle East. Officially launched in 2018, it revolutionized transportation between the two holy cities. This monumental project was conceived in response to the growing need for a safe and rapid means of transport serving millions of pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah annually. Connecting Mecca and Medina, the railway passes through Jeddah and King Abdullah Economic City, and spans 453 kilometers along a double-track line. The project was designed using the latest global technologies to ensure an exceptional travel experience that meets the expectations of visitors and keeps pace with the Kingdom's urban and service development.
The economic and social impact of promoting transport journeys
The importance of increasing the operational capacity of the Haramain High-Speed Railway extends beyond simply facilitating the movement of people; it encompasses far-reaching positive impacts. Locally, this expansion helps alleviate traffic congestion on the highways between Mecca, Jeddah, and Medina, reducing traffic accidents and carbon emissions, and supporting environmental sustainability. Regionally and internationally, providing advanced and rapid transportation services reinforces Saudi Arabia's position as a leading global destination for efficiently organizing and managing millions of pilgrims. This operational success reflects the capacity of Saudi Arabia's infrastructure to accommodate the growing number of Muslims arriving from around the world to perform their religious rites with ease and convenience.
A complete travel experience within the framework of Vision 2030
The train boasts an operating speed of up to 300 kilometers per hour, reducing travel time between Mecca and Medina to approximately two hours. It also offers high levels of comfort with seats designed for medium-distance travel and modern operating systems that ensure punctuality. These significant efforts are an extension of SAR's role in enabling a modern and reliable transportation system, perfectly aligned with the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and the National Transport and Logistics Strategy. This ambitious vision aims to enhance connectivity, improve the quality of the transportation system, and provide the best possible services to pilgrims, making their spiritual journey an unforgettable experience filled with safety and peace of mind.
