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RIYADH: The Haramain High Speed Railway has announced plans to operate more than 2,700 trips while providing seating capacity exceeding 1.3 million passengers to meet the increasing demand for transportation between Makkah and Madinah during Ramadan.

Saudi Arabia Railways, in coordination with the operating company, has prepared a plan to facilitate the expected large demand during the Ramadan season. The operational capacity of the train, which reaches a speed of 300 kph, will be increased and will cover a distance of 449 km between the two holy cities within two hours and 20 minutes.

The Haramain High Speed Railway is one of the 10 fastest electric trains in the world, using advanced signaling and communications systems. It is an essential component of the development plan and expansion program within the Saudi railway network.

It meets the growing demand to serve the increasing numbers of pilgrims while reducing congestion on the roads between Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah.

The railway was launched in 2018 to facilitate the movement of pilgrims, Umrah performers and visitors between Makkah, Jeddah and Madinah.

The route contains five stations, including three terminals: Makkah Station, Madinah Station, and the King Abdulaziz Airport Station in Jeddah. There are two central stations: the main Jeddah station located in the Sulaymaniyah District, and the King Abdullah Economic City Station.

The facility at King Abdulaziz Airport is the largest airport-linked train station in the world, covering more than 105,000 square meters, and extending over several floors. It is connected to six train platforms and helps ease movement, whether in the direction of Makkah or Madinah.

The station helps alleviate congestion on the roads leading to the airport by transporting arriving passengers directly to other stations without the need to leave the airport and use other means of transportation.

The Haramain High Speed Railway operates 35 electric trains, each of which has a capacity of 417 passengers in 13 cars and five business-class compartments. Trains also have a cafeteria and eight economy-class cabins, boasting a total of 113 business-class seats and 304 economy-class seats.