The Holy Sites train successfully transports 314,000 pilgrims to Arafat
The Saudi Railway Company (SAR) announced the success of its operational plan for transporting pilgrims, with the Al-Mashaaer Al-Mugaddassah Metro transporting over 314,000 passengers during the movement of pilgrims to Mount Arafat. The company explained that this record number was achieved from the start of train operations on Monday morning until the successful completion of transport operations at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, representing a pivotal step in facilitating this year's Hajj rituals.
An integrated operational system to serve the pilgrims via the Holy Sites Train
According to the approved operational plans, the train is preparing to launch its third service at 7:00 PM this Tuesday, which aims to transport pilgrims smoothly and safely from Arafat to Muzdalifah (the departure). This effort is part of a comprehensive operational plan previously announced by SAR, which aims to operate more than 2,000 train trips throughout the current Hajj season, targeting the transport of over two million passengers between the various holy sites (Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafat) via its nine strategically located stations.
Historical background of the Al-Mashaaer train and its ongoing development
The Holy Sites Metro project, launched in 2010, is one of the most prominent development and technological projects implemented by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to serve pilgrims. This massive project was launched as a radical solution to address traffic congestion challenges and facilitate the movement of pilgrims between the holy sites in record time. Over the years, the metro has undergone continuous technical and operational upgrades under the supervision of Saudi Railways (SAR), which has contributed to increasing its operational efficiency, reducing travel times, and ensuring the highest standards of safety and security for passengers from around the world.
Regional and international impact of enhancing Hajj infrastructure
The importance of this project extends beyond the local level, serving as an inspiring international model for crowd management and the development of transportation and logistics infrastructure. The continued success of the Al-Mashaaer Train further solidifies the Kingdom's position as a global leader in organizing major religious events and seasons with exceptional efficiency. This operational development aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to host more than 30 million Umrah and Hajj pilgrims annually, providing a seamless and memorable spiritual experience for all visitors to the Holy Sites.
