After a Historic Ramadan Success, the Haramain High-Speed Rail Steps Up the Pace Ahead of the Next Season
I wouldn't be exaggerating if I said the Haramain High-Speed Rail has become a real game-changer for all of us, especially after the numbers that came out recently. Informed sources have revealed that the past two months saw record-breaking transport figures – achievements that wouldn't have been possible without meticulous planning and highly professional management.
During the past February, operations recorded the transport of over 23 million tonnes of goods, while services accommodated 972,000 passengers travelling between Jeddah, Makkah, and Madinah. In Ramadan, the numbers were significantly higher, so much so that those who witnessed the scene up close confirmed that the three stations handled unprecedented crowds with remarkable smoothness and efficiency.
The three train stations are the real turning point in the travel experience. Let me break down the most important aspects:
- Jeddah Station (Al-Sulimaniyah): Considered the main gateway, it's designed to serve both arrivals from the airport and Jeddah residents equally, with integrated services and top-tier parking facilities.
- Makkah Station (Al-Rusayfah): Its location speaks for itself, as it's incredibly close to the Grand Mosque. Passengers step off the train and, after a short walk, are right at the holy site – an engineering feat that has everyone talking.
- Madinah Station: Delivering the same high standard, it serves visitors to the Prophet's Mosque, saving them significant time and effort compared to other modes of transport.
The operating authorities aren't resting on their laurels; they've already begun preparations for the upcoming season. There's talk of increasing the number of services during the Umrah and Hajj seasons, along with expanding some facilities at the stations to accommodate growing numbers. All these details confirm that the Haramain High-Speed Rail has become a benchmark for mass transit, not just within the Kingdom, but on a global scale.
What really elevates the experience is the attention to the finer details that matter to travellers. Last Ramadan saw thousands of meals distributed to passengers both on board and at the stations, alongside real-time monitoring of occupancy rates and directing travellers to less crowded services. It's these small touches that made citizens and residents feel they were in the presence of a world-class service of the highest standard.
Speaking as someone who uses the Haramain High-Speed Rail regularly, I can honestly say it has become the go-to choice for travelling between the three cities. Every time I ride it, I notice improvements and new additions that make me proud that this achievement is Saudi, delivered by Saudi hands.