Saudi Arabia Railways Ready for Hajj Season with Increased Seating Capacity
In a major announcement on Wednesday, Saudi Arabia Railways declared that the Haramain High-Speed Railway is all set to welcome pilgrims for this year’s Hajj season. The railway company has ramped up the number of available seats by an impressive 100,000, showcasing their commitment to providing efficient transportation for pilgrims.
The Saudi Railways Company (SAR) unveiled its operational plan for the upcoming season, highlighting enhancements at its five stations connecting Makkah to Madinah. The total seating capacity has been boosted to 1.6 million, a substantial increase from last year’s 1.3 million seats, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.
Spanning a distance of 453 kilometers, the railway network spans across key stations such as the main Jeddah station in the Sulaymaniyah district, King Abdulaziz Airport station in Jeddah, and King Abdullah Economic City. The expansion efforts also include the introduction of over 430 new trips compared to last year, bringing the total number of scheduled trips for this year to more than 3,800 from May 9 to June 25. On peak days, there will be 126 trips to cater to the increased demand, according to SPA.
Renowned for its swift service, the Haramain High-Speed Railway train is among the top 10 fastest electric trains worldwide, reaching speeds of up to 300 km per hour. The fleet comprises 35 trains, each with a capacity of 417 seats, ensuring a comfortable journey for passengers. Operating on an eco-friendly system with zero carbon emissions, the railway plays a crucial role in alleviating road congestion and preserving infrastructure by reducing road traffic.