The Holy Sites train service has begun to serve two million pilgrims
commenced this morning train journeys of the Holy Sites Metro , a strategic step aimed at serving pilgrims and facilitating their movement between the holy sites (Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah). This initiative is part of a comprehensive and meticulously planned transportation system designed to reduce traffic congestion and provide the utmost comfort and safety for pilgrims as they perform their rituals with ease and convenience.
A qualitative leap in the history of Hajj services
Throughout history, the Hajj pilgrimage has witnessed tremendous advancements in transportation and in facilitating the movement of pilgrims. While caravans and traditional means of transport were once prevalent, Saudi Arabia transitioned to using modern buses. With the increasing number of pilgrims annually, the need for innovative and sustainable solutions to accommodate this growth became paramount. In 2010, the railway project officially commenced operations, revolutionizing crowd management and streamlining transportation. In 2019, the responsibility for its operation and maintenance was transferred to the Saudi Railways Company (SAR) by a Cabinet decision, further enhancing operational efficiency and reliability to meet the highest international standards.
The Holy Sites Train has enormous capacity
Saudi Railways explained that the train boasts a superior capacity, among the highest globally, with each train accommodating approximately 3,000 passengers and an operational capacity of up to 72,000 passengers per hour. The operational plan for the current season aims to transport over two million passengers through 2,000 scheduled trips. These trips are regularly distributed across nine strategic stations covering the entire route of the pilgrimage, making it one of the most intensive and efficient transportation systems worldwide.
Regional and international impact on crowd management
The importance of this massive project extends beyond simply facilitating local transportation. Its impact also highlights the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's international leadership in managing millions of pilgrims within limited geographical areas and in record time. The successful operation of this vital facility reflects the Kingdom's commitment to providing the best logistical and security services, leaving a profoundly positive impression on pilgrims arriving from all corners of the globe. Furthermore, the train plays a pivotal role in environmental protection, as direct coordination with security and service agencies eliminates more than 50,000 bus journeys, significantly reducing carbon emissions and enhancing the efficiency of sustainable transportation.
Fully prepared to ensure a safe journey
To ensure a reliable transportation experience, SAR confirmed the full readiness of its fleet of 17 trains. This announcement followed the completion of comprehensive maintenance, upgrades to signaling and communication systems, and modernization of control centers. These early and intensive preparations guarantee the smooth operation of services and underscore the wise leadership's commitment to utilizing all available technical and human resources to serve pilgrims to the Holy Mosque.
