After a Historic Ramadan Success, the Haramain High-Speed Railway Ramps Up for the Next Season
I wouldn't be exaggerating if I said the Haramain High-Speed Railway has become a true game-changer in all our lives, especially with the numbers coming out recently. Informed sources have revealed that the past two months saw record-breaking figures in transportation—achievements that wouldn't have been possible without meticulous planning and a highly professional management team.
In February alone, operations recorded the transport of over 23 million tonnes of goods, while services accommodated 972,000 passengers travelling between Jeddah, Makkah, and Madinah. During Ramadan, the numbers were even higher—so much so that those who witnessed it firsthand noted that the three stations handled unprecedented crowds with remarkable smoothness and efficiency.
The three stations are truly the turning point in the travel experience. Let me highlight the key details:
- Jeddah Station (Al-Sulaymaniyah): This is the main gateway, designed to serve arrivals from the airport and Jeddah residents alike. It offers fully integrated services and top-tier parking facilities.
- Makkah Station (Al-Rusayfah): I don't need to explain its location—it's incredibly close to the Grand Mosque. Passengers step off the train and, after a short walk, find themselves at the holy site. This engineering achievement is the talk of the town.
- Madinah Station: With the same level of efficiency, it serves visitors to the Prophet's Mosque, saving them significant time and effort compared to other modes of transport.
The authorities in charge aren't resting on their laurels; they've already begun gearing up for the next season. There are discussions about increasing the number of trips during the Umrah and Hajj seasons, as well as expanding certain station facilities to accommodate growing numbers. All these developments show that the Haramain High-Speed Railway has become a benchmark for mass transit, not just in the Kingdom, but on a global scale.
What truly sets the experience apart is the attention to the little details that matter to travellers. Last Ramadan saw thousands of meals distributed to passengers onboard the trains and at stations, along with real-time monitoring of occupancy levels to guide travellers toward less crowded services. These small touches made residents and citizens alike feel they were receiving a world-class, top-tier service.
As someone who regularly uses the Haramain High-Speed Railway, I can honestly say it has become my go-to 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, brought to life by Saudi hands.