Advantages of Railway System in Makkah

Posted by Ady Grewal on August 27th, 2019

The recent transport system in Makkah is creating a severe problem such as traffic jams, lack of parking areas, mixing of traffic with the movement of pedestrians and many more. To resolve these issues Makkah Railway Network has been introduced that will be very helpful in this regard. Since during the season of Hajj and Umrah, there is a huge crowd, so this will reduce the problems of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. These preparation and assistance will help to resolve the issues of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims to a great deal. The issues of the local community cannot be resolved until better transportation facilities are provided. Thus, there is an urgent need for a better transportation system in Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah.

And for that purpose, the Saudi Government has decided to implement a railway project connecting the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah through Jeddah. The HHR is primarily designed to provide a fast, comfortable, reliable and safe mode of transport. It will be one of the high speed electrified passenger lines. The general purpose of the Saudi Management is to implement the HHR project as a public-funded project.

The central features of the Project are based on initial assessments and are subject to revision on more detailed analysis and design.

• The HHR will be one of the high speed (360 km/h design speed) electrified passenger lines between Makkah and Madinah through Jeddah.
• Makkah Central Station will be near the 3rd Ring Road.
• Jeddah Central Station will be located on Al-Haram Road. Yet, the railway alignment will use the median of the Al-Haram road and the Station in KAIA will be a station.
• Madinah will have only one passenger station.
• Station will also be requisite in the King Abdullah Economic City and a station may be necessary for the Hajj Terminal at Jeddah Airport.
• The construction, operation, design, and maintenance of HHR shall be executed in two phases.

Haramain High-Speed Rail project symbolizes one of the most important transport projects in the development program of the Saudi railway network.

Importance of the project:

Haramain High-Speed Project has executed an urgent need at present for several reasons. However, the foremost of these reasons is the growing number of pilgrims to perform either Hajj or Umrah, yet it will be started to decreases as pilgrims with umrah tours 2020 will feel the incredible advantages.

The impacts and benefits of the project:

• Lessening the congestion on the roads between Makkah and Medina as well as Jeddah Governorate.
• The train will provide comfort, safety, and speed.
• Reducing the contamination caused by vehicle consumes.
Components of the project:
Setting up of a 450-km electric-rail track linking Makkah, Madinah passing through Jeddah and the trains will be equipped with latest signaling and communications system.
• Offer the safest means of high-speed rails with modern techniques. In addition to the other equipment that combines the necessary, entertainment and fun.
• Structure of five-passenger stations which are positioned in Central Jeddah, King Abdul-Aziz International Airport in Jeddah, Makkah, Madinah and King Abdullah Economic City in Rabigh.
• Maintenance and operation of the project
• Provide an additional capacity to meet the demand growth throughout the operation.

Consequently, the Municipality of Makkah has currently remarked that there are several advantages of introducing the Railway System in Makkah. It will assist to upsurge the urban development outside the major city. A report of estimation shows that more than 10.8 Umrah pilgrims can be accommodated with the help of this by the year 2029.