Haramain High Speed Railway Expands Operations During Ramadan
Over 3,400 trips scheduled to accommodate 1.6 million seats for Umrah pilgrims and visitors.
The Haramain High Speed Railway, a key element of Saudi Arabia's transport infrastructure, is offering over 3,400 trips during the holy month of Ramadan, equating to more than 1.6 million available seats.
This expansion aligns with the increased demand from Umrah pilgrims and other visitors traveling between the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, as well as Jeddah.
The railway, inaugurated in 2018, has quickly gained recognition as one of the fastest electric railways globally, achieving speeds of up to 300 kilometers per hour.
Employing advanced signaling and communication systems, it aims to provide secure and efficient transportation options for travelers, particularly during the peak seasons of Hajj and Umrah.
Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) has partnered with the operating company to devise a detailed strategy to effectively manage the anticipated rise in traffic during Ramadan.
The train journey between Makkah and Madinah is approximately two hours and 20 minutes, facilitating swift connections for passengers.
There are five main stations along the railway line located in Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah.
Among them, the King Abdulaziz Airport station stands out as the world's largest station linked to an airport, covering over 105,000 square meters and featuring six train platforms.
This facility is designed to alleviate road congestion around the airport by offering direct rail access to various destinations.
The Haramain High Speed Railway operates a fleet of 35 electric trains, with each train capable of accommodating 417 passengers across 13 cars, which include both business and economy class options, along with a cafeteria service.
Passengers benefit from various amenities, including entertainment screens and features catering to individuals with special needs.
Business class travelers receive enhanced hospitality services, while economy class options include food carts for passenger convenience.
Additionally, the train stations provide an extensive array of services to enhance passenger experience.
These include police and fire stations, a health center, a mosque, retail outlets, dining options, a pharmacy, a business class lounge, parking facilities, car rental services, shipping options, ticketing services, hotel reservations, telecommunications, banking services, a supermarket, public transport connections such as taxis and shuttle buses to the Grand Mosque, luggage assistance, and comfortable waiting areas.