Latest news with #SaudiRailways
Arab News
12-06-2025
- Arab News
Makkah's Mashaer metro transported 1.87 million passengers during Hajj 2025
MAKKAH: Around 1.87 million passengers used the Mashaer Metro Train to travel within Makkah's holy sites during this year's Hajj season, according to Saudi Arabia Railways. From Dhu Al-Hijjah 7 (June 3) until the end of the Days of Tashreeq (June 9), Mashaer completed 2,154 trips moving pilgrims between the stations of Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafat, the railway agency said in a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency. The operational plan for the Mashaer transport system during Hajj 2025 had five main phases, with the first one from June 3 to 4 transporting over 27,000 passengers across all stations. The second phase moved 282,000 pilgrims from Mina to Arafat, the third transported 294,000 pilgrims from Arafat to Muzdalifah, and the fourth moved over 349,000 pilgrims from Muzdalifah to Mina. 'The final phase, which lasted until sunset on the last day of Tashreeq, recorded the movement of over 920,000 passengers to and from Mina 3 (Jamarat) station,' SPA said. Saudi Arabia Railways CEO Bashar AlMalik attributed the successful completion of the operational plan to the extensive preparatory work, including simulation exercises and full-scale trial runs, by the agency in coordination with operational and security agencies. Also known as the Al-Mashaer Al-Mugaddasah Metro, the transport system consists of nine stations located across the holy sites, connected by an 18-kilometer double-track railway. It is capable of accommodating 72,000 passengers per hour in one direction. Traveling at 80 km per hour, the train can move passengers from Mina to Arafat in just 20 minutes, giving pilgrims ease and comfort and allowing them to concentrate on Hajj rituals. Opened in 2010, the line is used exclusively as a shuttle train for pilgrims between holy sites in Makkah, Mina, Mount Arafat and Muzdalifah. With a fleet of 17 eco-friendly electric trains, each capable of carrying 3,000 passengers, the metro system has significantly reduced traffic congestion and carbon emissions by replacing about 50,000 passenger buses during the Hajj season.
Asharq Al-Awsat
03-06-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Arabia Railways Announces Full Operational Readiness of Mashaer Train for Hajj
Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) announced the full operational readiness of the Mashaer Metro Train for this year's Hajj starting Tuesday. SAR completed its preparations in coordination with various relevant entities. Comprehensive operational preparation included nearly 12,000 trial trips since January, in addition to four full-scale simulation exercises accurately replicating the conditions of the Hajj season to test the readiness of systems, trains, and stations and ensure safe and efficient operations. The Mashaer Metro Train operates on five service patterns tailored to the different Hajj rituals, making it a unique transport system globally. During the Hajj, the train is scheduled to carry out more than 2,000 trips, aiming to transport over two million passengers with high efficiency and precise organization. SAR conducted extensive maintenance and rigorous testing on all facilities and stations of the project to ensure their readiness and compliance with safety and quality standards. The train connects nine stations across the holy sites of Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Mina, with the final station in Mina located on the fourth level of the Jamarat Bridge, ensuring the smooth movement and safety of pilgrims. The Mashaer Metro Train is one of the region's most significant sustainable transport projects. It operates a fleet of 17 trains, each with a capacity of 3,000 passengers, enabling a total transport capacity exceeding 72,000 passengers per hour. This helps reduce congestion in the holy sites, lower carbon emissions, and provide a smart, safe, and environmentally friendly travel experience. The operation of the train reflects SAR's commitment to supporting Saudi Vision 2030 by enabling a reliable, efficient, and sustainable transport experience for pilgrims, showcasing the Kingdom's advanced infrastructure and improving the quality of services.
Asharq Al-Awsat
02-06-2025
- General
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Haramain High Speed Railway Runs Hourly Trips from Jeddah Airport to Makkah
Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) is implementing its operational plan for this year's Hajj, which includes running hourly trips on the Haramain High Speed Railway from King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah to Makkah. This will facilitate the transportation of pilgrims and boost service efficiency during the peak Hajj period. SAR previously announced over 4,700 scheduled trips for this year's Hajj through the Haramain High Speed Railway, one of the world's fastest electric trains, capable of reaching speeds of 300 km/h. SAR is coordinating closely with relevant authorities to ensure smooth operations and uphold the highest standards of safety and efficiency in transporting pilgrims.
Leaders
27-05-2025
- Leaders
Saudi Railways Advances Hajj 1446 Preparations to Serve Pilgrims
Saudi Railways is actively advancing its preparations for the 1446 Hajj season through its Al-Mashaer Train and the Haramain High-Speed Railway. These efforts are part of a comprehensive transport strategy designed to ensure smooth pilgrim movement and high operational efficiency throughout the pilgrimage period. The Al-Mashaer Train is set to transport over two million pilgrims between the holy sites of Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafat. Operating along an 18-kilometer route with nine stations, the service will deploy 17 fully equipped trains capable of carrying 72,000 passengers per hour in each direction. Trains will travel at speeds of up to 80 km/h, making the journey between Mina and Arafat in just 20 minutes. More than 2,000 trips are scheduled, supported by over 7,500 trained Saudi personnel. In parallel, the Haramain High-Speed Railway will conduct around 4,700 trips, providing over two million seats—an increase of more than 400,000 compared to the previous Hajj season. Related Topics: Saudi Railways Achieve Record 35M Passengers in Q1 2025 Saudi Arabia Named 'Country of the Year' After Record-Breaking Leap in StartupBlink Index Haramain Railway Boosts Hajj 2025 Capacity by 25% Operation Gideon Chariots: Israel Intensifies War amid Dire Conditions in Gaza Short link : Post Views: 14 Related Stories
Trade Arabia
27-05-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Haramain High-Speed Railway to transport 2m pilgrims during Hajj
The Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) is continuing to implement its operational plan for the Hajj season through the Haramain High-Speed Railway, one of the fastest trains in the world, with speeds reaching up to 300 km/h. SAR has scheduled more than 4,700 trips throughout the season, providing over two million seats for pilgrims - an increase of more than 400,000 seats compared to last season, reported SPA. This expansion is part of SAR's broader efforts to facilitate pilgrims' travel and enhance their overall experience. The Haramain High-Speed Railway is a key component of the kingdom's national transportation network. Designed to provide a smart and highly efficient mode of travel, it links key religious and economic cities along a 453-km electric rail line, with five main stations: Makkah, Jeddah (Central Station), King Abdulaziz International Airport, King Abdullah Economic City, and Madinah, stated the report. The station at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah is the largest of its kind globally in terms of integration with an international airport. It enables seamless passenger transfers between flights and rail without exiting the airport premises, enhancing the interconnectivity between air and land travel, it stated. In cooperation with relevant entities, SAR is also continuing its 'Hajj Without a Baggage' initiative for the second consecutive year. The programme ensures that pilgrims' luggage is transported directly from their departure airports to their accommodations in Makkah, allowing them to travel aboard the Haramain Railway immediately upon arrival without handling their baggage, said the SPA report. The Haramain High-Speed Railway reflects the Kingdom's commitment to developing modern infrastructure that supports integrated, safe, and environmentally sustainable public transport. It plays a vital role in raising the efficiency and quality of services offered to pilgrims, in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, it added.
