Saudi Arabia: Haramain High-Speed Railway To Operate 3,410 Trips This Ramadan For Umrah Visitors

In a significant move to accommodate the surge of Umrah performers during Ramadan 1446 AH, the Saudi Railway Company (SAR) has efficiently finalised its operational strategies for the Haramain High-Speed Railway.

This year, travelers between Makkah and Madinah can expect an enhanced and smoother travel experience, thanks to an increased number of trips and seats. SAR's collaboration with the Saudi-Spanish Consortium, the entity managing the Haramain High-Speed Railway, has led to a substantial operational boost.

Specifically, there will be 3,410 trips throughout Ramadan, a notable rise of over 21% from the previous year, alongside an 18% increase in seating availability, totaling approximately 1.6 million seats. This expansion is designed to cater to the heightened demand during the holy month, ensuring that Umrah performers can move more easily and comfortably.

Starting with 100 daily trips in the first week of Ramadan, the operational plan is structured to escalate to 120 trips per day by the 14th of Ramadan, eventually reaching a peak of 130 trips per day during the busiest periods. This gradual increase in the number of trips is aimed at offering greater flexibility and convenience for Umrah performers. Furthermore, the train schedules have been meticulously planned to coincide with prayer times.

The Haramain High-Speed Railway stands out as one of the world's ten fastest railways, boasting an impressive speed of 300 km/h. Spanning a 453-kilometer rail line, it connects key locations including Makkah, Jeddah, King Abdulaziz Airport, King Abdullah Economic City, and Madinah.

This initiative is in line with the Saudi leadership's directives to continually enhance the pilgrimage experience. By focusing on service integration and operational readiness, SAR aims to significantly improve the experience for all pilgrims. The upgrades to the Haramain High-Speed Railway during Ramadan are a testament to the commitment to making religious travel more accessible and enjoyable for Umrah performers.