After a Record-Breaking Ramadan, the Haramain High-Speed Rail is Gearing Up for the Next Season
I’m not exaggerating when I say that the Haramain High-Speed Rail has become a real game-changer for all of us, especially given the numbers that have come out recently. Informed sources have revealed that the past two months saw record-breaking transport figures—achievements that wouldn’t have been possible without careful planning and top-notch, professional management.
During last February, operations recorded the transport of over 23 million tonnes of goods, and services accommodated 972,000 passengers travelling between Jeddah, Makkah, and Madinah. As for Ramadan, the numbers were even higher—so much so that those who witnessed it firsthand noted that the three stations had never handled such a massive crowd with this level of smoothness and efficiency.
The three train stations are the real turning point in the travel experience. Let me break down the highlights for you:
- Jeddah Station (Al-Sulimaniyah): This is the main gateway, designed to serve arrivals from the airport and Jeddah residents alike, with comprehensive facilities and top-tier parking.
- Makkah Station (Al-Rusaifah): I don’t need to explain its location—it’s incredibly close to the Grand Mosque. People step off the train, walk a short distance, and they’re at the Haram. This engineering feat is the talk of the town.
- Madinah Station: Just as efficient, it serves visitors to the Prophet’s Mosque and saves them a huge amount of time and effort compared to other transport options.
The teams in charge of operations 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, as well as expanding some station facilities to accommodate the growing number of passengers. 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 truly elevates the experience is the attention to the little details that matter to travellers. Last Ramadan saw thousands of meals distributed to passengers on board and at the stations, along with real-time monitoring of occupancy levels and guidance to help passengers choose less crowded services. It’s these small touches that made citizens and residents feel they were experiencing a world-class service of the highest standard.
As someone who uses the Haramain High-Speed Rail regularly, I can honestly say it’s become my first choice for travelling between the three cities. Every time I board, I notice improvements and new additions that make me proud that this achievement is Saudi, driven by Saudi expertise.