Haramain train project

[LP]

Finally we will have a train. It will be of great help for the pilgrims.

Al-Haramain Train project first of its kind in Mideast

JEDDAH: The Al-Haramain Train project is described as the largest public transportation project in the Middle East. This vital and strategic project is one of the implementation schemes of the mass expansion of the Saudi railway across the country.
The project’s importance stems from many considerations, primarily the increasing numbers of pilgrims, visitors, residents and worshipers coming to the country, Madinah and Makkah year after year.
The train will greatly reduce the congestion on the roads between Makkah and Madinah, in addition to Jeddah governorate. It will also reduce road traffic accidents and pollution levels, resulting from vehicles’ fuel emissions. Additionally, it will provide job opportunities for Saudi youths after they get the necessary training and qualifications on the operation and maintenance tasks.
The project consists of establishing electric tracks between Makkah, passing through Jeddah and reaching Madinah with a length of 450 km. The tracks are equipped with signals and advanced communication means.
The project will go through two important phases; the first will involve building the overpasses, bridges, underpasses, water channels and other necessary infrastructure including the stations; and the second phase will involve developing the tracks and railways and the trains.
There are four main stations in the project between Makkah, Jeddah, King Abdullah Economic City in Dabiagh and Madianah. An additional fifth extra station will be established at King Abdulaziz International Airport with the new airport expansion project to link the airport and the station with the whole project.
Makkah station is the most costly with SR3.2 billion, Sulaimanyah station comes following with a cost of SR2.9 billion, then King Abdullah Economic City with a cost of SR1.75 billion and Madinah station at a cost of SR1.54 billion.
The project involves constructing 140 overpasses and 860 water channels to discharge rainwater.
The trains, 35 electrical trains with a speed of 300 km per hour, were manufactured with world class specifications and standards by Talgo, a Spanish manufacturer of intercity, standard, and high speed passenger trains.
Experts in the field said Al-Haramain Train is a unique and one of its kind projects considering that it is the first high speed electrical train in the Middle East.
Seven trains will run within one hour from and to Jeddah, two trains will run between Makkah and Madinah, and 4 trains will run between Makkah and Rabigh and the one train will transport 19,600 passengers per hour.

Al-Haramain Train project first of its kind in Mideast | Arab News

Saudi Gazette report

MAKKAH — Passengers of the Haramain Railway will pay SR20 to travel between Makkah and Jeddah and SR110 between Makkah and Madinah.

“This is the lowest fare for passengers using high-speed trains in the world,” said an official at the Saudi Railway Organization.

“There is a plan to operate seven trains between Jeddah and Makkah per hour and one train between Makkah and Madinah every half an hour,” the official said.

Trial runs of the train have been conducted since the arrival of engines 10 months ago to ensure the smooth operation of the railway and the safety of passengers.

“The trial runs take place between the King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) station and Madinah,” the official said, adding that high-speed trains require prolonged tests.

The 445-km-long railway that links Makkah and Madinah will bring about a dramatic change in the transportation of pilgrims between the two holy cities.

The state-of-the-art railway has five stations including one at King Abdulaziz Airport in Jeddah.

Trains will have a speed of 320 km an hour. There are 35 trains with a total of 385 carriages.

An institute will be established to train Saudis on the operation and maintenance of the railway.

Makkah station is located at the main entrance of Makkah city on the 3rd Ring Road at Al-Rusaifa district. It is about 3 km from the Grand Mosque in Makkah. The station is bordered by Abdullah Areef Street on the east, and King Abdulaziz Road Project on the north.

Jeddah station is located in the center of Jeddah, specifically in Al-Sulaimaniya district at the junction of Al-Haramain Road with King Abdullah Road. It is bordered on the west by Ali Murtaza Street.

KAEC station is located at the entrance of KAEC from the east (near the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology) and within the administrative boundaries of KAEC.

Madinah station is located in Knowledge Economic City on King Abdulaziz Road and along the Prophet’s Mosque. The train station is bordered by University Road on the west and the Junction of the 3rd Ring Road on the east

http://saudigazette.com.sa/saudi-arabia/sr20-jeddah-makkah-fare-on-haramain-train/

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[OYMWA]

Re: Haramain train project

Is it working now? Last I heard they were going to make the test run after the Hajj season.

[SID_NY]

Re: Haramain train project

I wonder wut took it so long. But nevertheless much needed and welcome project. I just hope they put up signs/announcements in English as well

[Doppleganger]

Re: Haramain train project

Did al hejaz railway go to mecca i.e. the ottomon line using german locomotives? I don't know why the saudis didn't upgrade and expand it. That bilour guy from ANP was quoting saudis that who needs railways in Paksitan.

[Ali_Syed]

Re: Haramain train project

Did al hejaz railway go to mecca i.e. the ottomon line using german locomotives? I don't know why the saudis didn't upgrade and expand it. That bilour guy from ANP was quoting saudis that who needs railways in Paksitan.

UAE and Saudia both are working on railways now