Haramain train test run to start in 6 months
Riyadh, June 16, 2014
The testing of the first line of the high-speed Haramain railway system in Saudi Arabia is set to start in six months, said a report.
It will take place on the line between Madinah and King Abdullah Economic City in Rabigh, said the Arab News report.
“Work is going according to plan and the SRO has been monitoring progress with regular field trips. Results in the field are good, with 50 per cent of the work completed in Makkah, 70 per cent in Madinah, 57 per cent in Rabigh and 50 per cent in Jeddah,” Khalid Al-Suwaiket, president of the Saudi Railways Organization (SRO), was quoted as saying.
Each station will feature world-class facilities and passenger services including departure lounges, mosques, helipads, platforms, car parks divided into long and short-term parking, VIP lounges, commercial stores, restaurants and coffee shops, said the report.
The stations have been connected with the public transport system through parking areas, it said.
Six central stations are under construction, which would have special energy consumption metres, and security measures in place including facilities for communication, long distance control and information transfer.
The project will change the dynamics of pilgrim transportation between the two holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, Governor Prince Mishaal bin Abdullah was quoted as saying.
“The Haramain Railway will play a big role in facilitating transportation of pilgrims, helping them reach the holy places quickly. It will also contribute to reducing traffic congestion in the holy cities,” he said.
The 450-km railway passes by Jeddah, King Abdulaziz International Airport and King Abdullah Economic City in Rabigh.
The train system will carry more than 20 million passengers every year including pilgrims.
