Thursday, March 21, 2024
In anticipation of the holy month of Ramadan, the Haramain High-Speed Railway is set to enhance its service capacity to facilitate the journey of Umrah performers and visitors between the sacred cities of Makkah and Madinah.
With plans to deploy over 2,700 trips during this period, the railway aims to accommodate the expected increase in demand and ensure a smooth and efficient travel experience.
Saudi railway network’s expansion
The Haramain High-Speed Railway, ranking among the world’s top 10 fastest electric trains, is a testament to cutting-edge technology and engineering prowess.
Its capability to reach up to 300 km/hr speeds enables passengers to traverse the 449 km distance between Makkah and Madinah in just under two and a half hours.
This initiative, a collaboration between Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) and the train’s operating company, was crafted to address the surge in transportation needs during the sacred month.
Designed to accommodate the growing number of domestic and international Umrah performers and visitors, it aims to ease road congestion between Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah.
Since its inauguration in 2018, the Haramain High-Speed Railway has facilitated millions of pilgrims and visitors across its 453 km double railway line, connecting three key destinations through five strategically located stations.
The railway features the world’s largest airport-linked train station at King Abdulaziz Airport.
Spanning over 105,000 square meters, it serves as a gateway for travellers, enabling direct transfers to the holy cities without the hassle of road travel.
The fleet, comprising 35 state-of-the-art electric trains, offers a comfortable journey with a capacity of 417 passengers per train.
Each train is divided into business and economy classes and a cafeteria, ensuring a travel experience that combines comfort and efficiency.
Record-breaking Ramadan 2023
During Ramadan 2023, the Haramain High-Speed Railway achieved record-breaking performance, transporting over 930,000 passengers on 2,875 trains with an average punctuality rate of 96.9%.
This period witnessed historical highs in daily and monthly passenger volumes, affirming the railway’s capacity to manage significant surges in demand.
With a special operational plan for Ramadan, the railway offered more than 1 million seats. It scheduled over 100 daily services between Makkah and Madinah to accommodate the influx of pilgrims and visitors.
As the Haramain High-Speed Railway gears up for Ramadan, its role in supporting the spiritual journey of millions becomes ever more significant.
By offering 1.3 million seats and optimising its schedule to meet the heightened demand, the railway underscores its commitment to enhancing the Hajj and Umrah experience, reinforcing the Kingdom’s infrastructure capabilities, and contributing to the seamless fulfilment of religious obligations.
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Saturday, April 27, 2024
