Haramain High Speed Railway Prepares To Transport 1.3 Million Umrah Performers In Ramadan

Riyadh, SPA – In a significant move to accommodate the anticipated increase in travelers during Ramadan, the Haramain High Speed Railway is set to operate over 2,700 trips between Makkah and Madinah. This initiative comes as part of efforts to meet the growing demand for efficient transportation options between these two holy cities. The railway, known for its rapid transit capabilities, can achieve speeds of up to 300 km/hr, enabling it to cover the 449 km distance in just under two and a half hours.

Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) has joined forces with the operating company to devise a comprehensive plan aimed at managing the expected rise in passenger numbers. The Haramain High Speed Railway is not only among the top 10 fastest electric trains worldwide but also boasts state-of-the-art signaling and communication systems. Its introduction has been a key component in the Saudi railway network's development and expansion strategy, designed to serve an increasing number of Umrah performers and visitors from both domestic and international locations. Moreover, it seeks to alleviate road congestion between Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah.

Since its inauguration in 2018, the Haramain High Speed Railway has significantly eased the travel process for pilgrims, Umrah performers, and visitors traversing between Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah. The railway features a double line that spans 453 km and includes five strategically located stations. These comprise three terminals: Makkah Station, Madinah Station, and King Abdulaziz Airport station in Jeddah. Additionally, there are two central stations: the main Jeddah station in the Sulaymaniyah district and the King Abdullah Economic City station.

The station at King Abdulaziz Airport stands out as the largest airport-linked train station globally. It sprawls over an impressive area of more than 105,000 square meters across several floors and connects to six train platforms. This facility plays a pivotal role in reducing traffic congestion en route to King Abdulaziz Airport by offering arriving passengers a direct transfer to other stations without the need for alternative transportation methods.

The fleet of the Haramain High Speed Railway consists of 35 electric trains. Each train is designed to accommodate 417 passengers across 13 cars. The layout includes five business class compartments with a total of 113 seats, a cafeteria, and eight economy class compartments providing 304 seats. This arrangement underscores the railway's commitment to offering comfortable and efficient travel options for its passengers.

With inputs from SPA