RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Haramain High Speed Railway has transported 1.16 million passengers during 2026 Hajj season.
The train made 5,569 trips linking Makkah and Madinah via Jeddah Main Station, King Abdulaziz International Airport Station, and King Abdullah Economic City Station, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Thursday.
The service played a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth transportation of pilgrims during the Hajj season, facilitating seamless travel between key destinations connected by the railway network.
The Haramain High Speed Railway delivered exceptional operational performance throughout the 2026 Hajj season, maintaining an on-time performance rate of more than 98 percent.
On peak days, the railway operated up to 142 trips daily, demonstrating its high operational readiness, efficient management, and capacity to handle the surge in passenger demand during the pilgrimage period.
Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) CEO Bashar AlMalik attributed the achievement to the strong support of the Kingdom’s leadership for Hajj services.
He said the continuous oversight and guidance of Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and SAR Chairman Saleh Al-Jasser helped ensure the successful implementation of the operational plan with the highest levels of efficiency, safety, and preparedness.
The Haramain High Speed Railway is among the world’s fastest electric rail networks, capable of reaching speeds of up to 300 kilometres per hour.
Spanning 453 kilometres, it links the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah through five major stations and stands as one of Saudi Arabia’s flagship transportation projects, playing a vital role in enhancing mobility and services for pilgrims.
