RIYADH: The Saudi Railway Company (SAR) has announced the launch and operational readiness of the Al Mashaaer Al Mugaddassah Metro Project to serve pilgrims during the 2026 Hajj season, showing the sector’s preparedness to provide safe and reliable transportation for pilgrims.
The SAR finalised extensive preparations for the 2026 Hajj season in coordination with security and service authorities, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Wednesday.
To ensure a safe and efficient launch, the company conducted three large-scale simulation exercises replicating peak pilgrimage conditions to test control systems, trains, and station operations.
The Al Mashaaer Al Mugaddassah Metro operates through five distinct service patterns designed to match pilgrims’ movements between the holy sites according to Hajj rituals.
The network links nine stations across Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Mina, with the final Mina station directly connected to the fourth level of the Jamarat Bridge to improve crowd flow and safety.
SAR also confirmed that all facilities underwent comprehensive maintenance and testing in line with the highest international safety and quality standards.
The metro system operates a fleet of 17 trains, each accommodating up to 3,000 passengers, giving the network a capacity of more than 72,000 passengers per hour.
Throughout the Hajj season, the project is expected to carry over two million passengers through more than 2,000 scheduled trips under a highly coordinated operational plan aimed at ensuring efficient crowd management.
The operation of the Al Mashaaer Al Mugaddassah Metro Project is an important component of the Kingdom’s integrated efforts designed to serve pilgrims.
By delivering efficient and reliable transportation solutions that ease congestion and enhance safety, the project supports the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Pilgrim Experience Programme, helping pilgrims perform their rituals with greater ease, comfort, and peace of mind.
