Enhanced Road Safety Measures In Madinah To Protect Pilgrims During Hajj

The Roads General Authority (RGA) control centre in the Madinah Region plays a crucial role in monitoring the road network, especially during the Hajj season. This centre serves as a vital link with performance contractors' control rooms, aiming to provide optimal services to pilgrims. The RGA collaborates with the National Center for Meteorology to monitor weather conditions and issue related warnings.

During emergencies, the control centre ensures rapid on-site responses through effective communication with contractors and linking them to main control rooms. It oversees traffic diversions, road works, and reports on accidents. Additionally, it monitors vehicle movement, provides support in case of breakdowns, and coordinates with relevant authorities such as the Red Crescent, traffic police, road safety agencies, and car syndicates.

The control centre also addresses observations raised on social media. Its visual monitoring capabilities are enhanced by dashboard cameras installed on asset inspection patrols, cleaning and monitoring patrol vehicles, and accident support vehicles. These measures ensure comprehensive oversight of the road network.

The authority began preparations early for this year's Hajj season by surveying the road network leading to the holy mosques in Makkah and Madinah. Safety and quality standards were ensured by scraping and re-asphalting certain areas, grooming road shoulders, removing sand, and cleaning valleys. Barriers, signs, and warning signs were also checked to ensure they were in good order.

These efforts aim to improve the safety and readiness of the road network. The strategic goals of the roads sector include achieving a high global rank in the Road Quality Index, reducing road fatalities to less than five cases per 100,000 people, and implementing traffic safety measures according to the International Road Assessment Programme classification.

The RGA's initiatives facilitate the connection of holy sites and all regions, thereby enhancing the pilgrims' experience. By maintaining excellent services and full road network capacity, the authority aims to achieve its strategic goals effectively.

In summary, the RGA's comprehensive efforts during the Hajj season ensure that pilgrims have a safe and efficient journey. The collaboration with various authorities and advanced monitoring techniques contribute significantly to this objective.

With inputs from SPA