How Saudi Arabia’s high-speed railway allows Hajj pilgrims to travel in comfort and style

 MAKKAH: For millions of Muslims worldwide, the pilgrimage to Makkah for Hajj used to be arduous. However, Saudi Arabia has established new transport infrastructure to ensure the smoothest possible journey and easier access to the holiest site in Islam.

Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam, is an obligatory act for physically and financially-able Muslims to perform at least once in their lifetime. Historically, pilgrims endured weeks or even months of travel on caravans, crossing vast oceans and desertsOver the centuries, as civilizations, nations and empires rose and fell, the responsibility for protecting and serving pilgrims undertaking Hajj and Umrah was passed down from one leader to the next. 

The Haramain High-Speed Railway connects Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah. (SPA)

Today, the modern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues this tradition, making remarkable progress in the services provided to pilgrims, particularly in terms of technology and transport infrastructureA key part of this is the seamless connectivity between the cities of Makkah and Madinah, as well as the holy sites within Makkah. Saudi Arabia has achieved this by ensuring easy accessibility, convenience, and reduced travel times.

The HHR’s 450 km railroad network connects Makkah to Madinah via five stations, including Al-Sulimaniyah in Jeddah, King Abdulaziz International Airport, and King Abdullah Economic City. The majority of pilgrims join the train at either Madinah or JeddahSince its official opening in 2018, HHR trains have reached speeds of up to 300 kph, significantly reducing travel times between the holy cities. What once took more than four hours by car now takes half the time by train. 

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