Saudi Arabia opens high-speed railway linking holy cities

Saudi Arabia has inaugurated the Haramain high-speed railway, a significant development for Muslim pilgrims traveling between Mecca and Medina. This $6.7 billion project connects the two holy cities and is expected to transport up to 60 million passengers annually, significantly reducing travel time for those undertaking Hajj or Umrah. The journey that previously took up to six hours by bus can now be completed in just over two hours by train.

The railway features 35 trains capable of reaching speeds of 300 km/h (186 mph) and will initially operate eight services daily in both directions, increasing to twelve by the end of the year. The Mecca station, located just 4 km from the Grand Mosque, is designed to handle 20,000 passengers per hour, easing congestion during peak pilgrimage seasons.

Transport Minister Nabil al-Amoudi emphasized the project's importance in enhancing the pilgrimage experience, highlighting Saudi Arabia's commitment to serving Islam and the global Muslim community. This development is expected to greatly facilitate the movement of millions of pilgrims each year, making their spiritual journeys more accessible and efficient.