Al-Mashaaer Al-Mugaddassah Metro: Smart Transport System Serving Over Two Million Pilgrims in Hajj 1447 AH

Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) continues operational preparations for the 1447 AH Hajj season through an integrated plan aimed at transporting more than two million passengers via the Al-Mashaaer Al-Mugaddassah Metro, one of the most prominent modern transport projects in the holy sites and a key component of the pilgrims’ mobility system.

 The project reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to developing transport services during the Hajj season by providing a smart and safe mobility system that enables pilgrims to perform rituals with ease and reassurance, in line with the highest operational efficiency standards and the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

 The eco-friendly electric train connects the holy sites of Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafat, helping reduce travel time, ease traffic congestion, and improve crowd-management efficiency during peak periods.

 The metro entered service in November 2010 following two years of construction and has since become a key component in facilitating pilgrims’ movement between the holy sites.

 The line extends for 18 kilometers and includes nine stations, with three stations in each of Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Mina, in addition to Jamarat Station. The train reaches speeds of up to 80 km/h and covers the distance between Arafat Station 1 and Mina Station 3 in approximately 20 minutes.

 The fleet consists of 17 trains, each 277 meters long, with a capacity of up to 3,000 passengers per train. The system’s total transport capacity reaches around 72,000 passengers per hour, making it among the world’s highest-capacity transport systems.

 The operation of the metro has helped reduce the number of buses on roads leading to the holy sites by replacing around 50,000 bus trips. This has eased traffic congestion and enhanced environmental sustainability through reliance on electric energy with zero carbon emissions.