The Mashaer Train enhances its readiness for the Hajj season of 1447 AH
Operational readiness for the Hajj season of 1447 AH continues by the Saudi Arabian Railways Company (SAR), as part of an integrated strategy aimed at transporting more than two million passengers via the Mashaer Train, which is considered one of the Kingdom’s most prominent modern transportation projects and a key pillar in the transportation system for the Guests of the Most Merciful.
This project reflects the Kingdom’s continuous commitment to developing transportation services during the Hajj season, by providing a smart and safe transportation system that enables pilgrims to perform their rituals with ease and tranquility, in accordance with the highest standards of operational efficiency, and in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
The eco-friendly electric train operates by linking the holy sites (Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafat), which contributes to reducing travel time, significantly limiting traffic congestion, and improving crowd management efficiency during peak times.
The Mashaer Train is considered a shuttle metro system specifically designed to meet the needs of pilgrims. It entered service in November 2010 after construction works were completed within two years, and since then it has become a key element in facilitating the movement of the Guests of the Most Merciful between the holy sites.
The train route is 18 kilometers long and includes nine stations distributed across the holy sites, ending at the Jamarat Station. Its maximum speed reaches about 80 km/h, with the ability to travel between Arafat Station (1) and Mina Station (3) in about 20 minutes.
The project is characterized by high capacity and precise organization of crowd movement, ensuring easy boarding and disembarking, in addition to facilities dedicated to serving the elderly and people with disabilities, within an operational system based on the highest standards of efficiency and safety.
Smart operational system and environmental sustainability in transport
The train fleet consists of 17 cars, each with a length of 277 meters, with a capacity of 3,000 passengers per train, while the total capacity reaches about 72,000 passengers per hour, making it one of the highest-density transport systems in the world.
The train operation has contributed to reducing reliance on buses on routes leading to the holy sites, by eliminating approximately 50,000 bus trips, which has positively reflected in reducing traffic congestion and enhancing environmental sustainability through the use of zero-emission electric energy.
The train operates on a shuttle system managed by a main control center, according to organizational strategies related to the stages of pilgrims’ movement between the holy sites, ensuring the highest levels of safety and smooth flow.
Since the Saudi Arabian Railways Company (SAR) was assigned the operation and maintenance of the project by a Cabinet decision in 1440 AH, the company has continued implementing comprehensive development plans for infrastructure and technical systems, including upgrading sound systems, communication screens, signaling and communication systems, in addition to enhancing mechanical and electrical maintenance equipment.
SAR is keen on continuous evaluation after each Hajj season, having begun preparations for the Hajj season of 1447 AH immediately after the end of the previous season, through a 60-day trial phase to test technical systems, including three full simulation operations of all operational transport movements, to ensure full readiness to serve the Guests of the Most Merciful.
Advanced readiness of the Haramain Train ahead of the Hajj season
As part of monitoring preparations for the Hajj season of 1447 AH, the Emir of Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah Region, Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, inspected the Haramain High-Speed Train station in Madinah to assess its operational readiness and service strategies for the Guests of the Most Merciful, accompanied by the Deputy Emir of the region, Prince Saud bin Naher bin Saud.
The tour included reviewing the station’s readiness, facilities, and services, in addition to operational plans and crowd management, enhancing smooth transportation between Makkah and Madinah as part of an integrated transport system supporting the pilgrims’ journey.
Officials from the Saudi Arabian Railways Company (SAR) presented a briefing on the Hajj season operational strategy, which includes providing more than 2.21 million seats through over 5,300 trips connecting Makkah, Jeddah, Madinah, and Rabigh stations, reflecting the high readiness of the infrastructure.
The Emir of the region emphasized the importance of enhancing coordination between relevant authorities and intensifying operational readiness to ensure the delivery of high-quality services that facilitate pilgrims’ movement and ensure the highest levels of comfort and safety.
The tour also highlighted service initiatives, including a free transport initiative for people with disabilities to Al-Masjid Al-Nabawi in cooperation with relevant authorities, as part of enhancing inclusivity and improving the experience of the Guests of the Most Merciful during Hajj.
Launch of the Mashaer Train with the start of Hajj season 1447 AH
This morning, Sunday, the Mashaer Train began its first trips for the Hajj season of 1447 AH, providing transport services for the Guests of the Most Merciful between the holy sites of Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah.
The train operates within an integrated system consisting of nine stations along its route, ensuring ease and speed of movement between the holy sites.
The Mashaer Train is characterized by high capacity, with each train accommodating about 3,000 passengers, while its operational capacity reaches about 72,000 passengers per hour, making it one of the most intensive transport systems in the world. The operational strategy for this season includes transporting more than two million passengers through 2,000 trips.
The train plays a pivotal role in enhancing traffic flow within the holy sites, in coordination with security and service authorities, and significantly contributes to reducing traffic congestion by eliminating more than 50,000 bus trips during the Hajj season, thereby enhancing transport system efficiency.
The Saudi Arabian Railways Company (SAR) announced the train’s readiness for the season after completing maintenance and preparation works for a fleet of 17 trains, while upgrading technical and operational systems, including signaling, communication systems, the control center, and stations, to ensure a safe and reliable transport experience for the Guests of the Most Merciful.
It is worth noting that the Mashaer Train, which entered service in 2010, is considered one of the most important transport projects during the Hajj season. Its operation and maintenance responsibilities were transferred to SAR under Cabinet Decision No. (538) of 2019.
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Author: Counselor Faisal Al-Mutairi.
Publication date: May 21, 2026.
Last updated: May 24, 2026.
