MAKKAH: Saudi Arabia’s General Transport Centre (GTC) has introduced an integrated and modern transport system for the 1447 AH (2026) Hajj season, designed to ensure a smooth and safe experience for millions of pilgrims.
This year, around 1.65 million pilgrims are benefiting from the system, including approximately 179,000 Pakistani pilgrims, for whom special arrangements have been made to provide a comfortable and secure journey.
The General Transport Centre is overseeing the large-scale operation by bringing all transport authorities together under a unified platform.
Traffic movement across Makkah and the Holy Sites — Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah — is being monitored through a central control room that makes operational decisions using real-time data.
As part of the Kingdom’s smart transport initiatives, the “Smart Escalation” application has been introduced to manage more than 40,000 bus journeys.
The digital system has reduced unauthorised Hajj attempts by 95 per cent, helping to ease congestion for pilgrims from Pakistan and around the world, Pakistan state news agency APP reported on Tuesday.
To improve convenience for pilgrims, transport hubs across Makkah have been upgraded, with major stations including Shu’ab Amer, Bab Ali and Jarwal significantly expanding their capacity.
Dedicated pedestrian walkways and separate bus lanes have also been introduced to reduce the risk of accidents and improve access to Masjid al-Haram for the large number of Pakistani pilgrims using these stations.
In addition, five strategic service points have been established between Mina and the Haram area during the Tashreeq days.
These points are equipped with shaded pathways and directional signs to assist pilgrims throughout their journey.
The movement of pilgrims during key stages of Hajj, including the journey to Arafat and the return to Muzdalifah (Nafra), has been carefully coordinated between an extensive bus fleet and the Mashair Train.
Under the supervision of the General Automobile Association, more than 15,000 buses have been allocated for field operations to ensure the smooth transportation of Pakistani pilgrims from their Makatibs and accommodation sites.
Meanwhile, the “Ask Me” initiative has stationed trained personnel around the Jamarat area and the Grand Mosque to provide immediate guidance and assistance to Pakistani pilgrims during emergencies, helping to overcome potential language barriers.
Saudi Arabia’s 1447 AH transport strategy represents more than a large-scale transport operation; it is a data-driven system in which every stage is carefully planned and monitored through advanced analytics.
The integrated transport model has emerged as a global example of efficient mass transit management, ensuring a safe, organised, and peaceful journey for Hajj pilgrims.
