The growing number of high-speed railway in Saudi Arabia has greatly put pressure on road transport linking the Two Islamic holy cities of Mecca and Medina.
The 450-KM (280-Miles) Haramain Railway connects Mecca and Medina with the Red Sea Coastal City of Jeddah targeting nearly 60 million passengers annually.
The Journey between the Haramain (Two Holy Mosques) is now shorter and easier than at any time following the modern High-Speed train.
Pilgrimage is the backbone of a plan to expand tourism under economic reforms announced 2 years ago by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to diversify the economy.
Figuring out, the haj, a journey every able-bodied Muslim who can afford it must be performed once in a lifetime, can testify to the experience.
The haj and the year-round lesser Pilgrimage and Umrah generates billions of dollars in revenues from worshipers’ lodging, transport, gifts, food, and fees.
The modern rail link was built by a Spanish-led Consortium and Financed by the Kingdom’s Sovereign Wealth Fund-KSWF, the Public Investment Fund-PIF. It halves the travel time between Mecca, the spiritual heart of Islam, and Medina, the second most sacred site.
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Authorities in Saudi Arabia hope that the train will also stimulate the growth of King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), a massive business zone that was initiated under the previous ruler but remains empty.
Saudi Officials aim to increase the number of Umrah and haj Pilgrims to 30 million by 2030.
In addition to public transit, Saudi Arabia is investing Tens of billions of Dollars in Mega-Hotels and a grand Mosque restoration in Mecca.
