RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is accelerating a comprehensive upgrade of its national road infrastructure as part of a sweeping transport readiness plan aimed at ensuring the safe and efficient movement of pilgrims during the Hajj season, according to reports carried by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
The Roads General Authority, operating under the Ministry of Transport and Logistics Services, is deploying what it describes as the world’s largest fleet of advanced road surveying and assessment technology.
This initiative is designed to strengthen road safety, improve traffic flow, and enhance the overall condition of highways across the Kingdom, particularly on routes used by pilgrims travelling between holy sites.
Officials said the programme forms part of a broader transformation of Saudi Arabia’s transport sector, which has already improved the country’s global standing in road connectivity rankings.
It also aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which includes accommodating up to 30 million pilgrims annually by the end of the decade, according to Arab News.
According to SPA, the specialised survey fleet is equipped with high-resolution imaging systems and laser-based sensors capable of detecting road surface defects such as cracks and rutting with precision down to 0.05 millimetres.
The system also measures pavement thickness, alignment, and skid resistance, allowing authorities to identify maintenance needs more rapidly and enhance road reliability during peak Hajj operations.
The Roads General Authority has set an ambitious target to reduce road fatalities to fewer than five per 100,000 people, in line with international benchmarks established by the International Road Assessment Programme.
The improvements are also expected to significantly ease congestion and ensure smoother traffic movement for pilgrims travelling across key routes linking the holy sites.
The road enhancement initiative is part of a wider, integrated transport ecosystem prepared for the 2026 Hajj season. Last month, the Ministry of Transport confirmed that operational readiness had been completed across all major transport sectors, including aviation, rail, maritime, and land networks.
In the aviation sector, more than 3.1 million seats have been allocated across approximately 12,000 flights. Around 22,000 personnel will be deployed across six major hub airports to manage the influx of travellers.
Additional facilitation measures include off-site baggage check-in services and expanded pre-shipment arrangements for Zamzam water, aimed at reducing congestion at terminals.
Rail transport will play a major role in moving pilgrims efficiently.
The Al-Mashaaer Al-Mugaddassah Metro is expected to carry more than two million passengers during the Hajj period, while the Haramain High-Speed Railway will provide over 2.2 million seats.
The Mashaaer Metro operates exclusively within Makkah, linking the holy sites of Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Mina, whereas the Haramain railway connects Makkah and Madinah, with stops in Jeddah, King Abdulaziz International Airport, and King Abdullah Economic City.
To support road-based transport, authorities will deploy around 33,000 buses and 5,000 taxis, alongside dedicated inspection teams and traffic management units to ensure smooth operations and safety compliance throughout the pilgrimage season.
Maritime and logistics operations are also being strengthened. Saudi Post is expanding its delivery fleet to handle increased demand, while the Saudi Ports Authority has finalised arrival procedures at Jeddah Islamic Port to facilitate smoother entry for pilgrims arriving by sea.
In addition, the National Transport Safety Centre will remain on continuous standby to coordinate emergency response operations and ensure rapid intervention when required.
Collectively, these measures reflect Saudi Arabia’s ambition to deliver a seamless, integrated, and multi-modal transport experience for millions of pilgrims, while reinforcing its broader goal of positioning the Kingdom as a leading global logistics hub.
