Saudi government has approved plans and studies to build service tunnels linking Arafat and Jamarat in Mina via Muzdalifah, and tunnels linking Jamarat with the courtyards of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, said a report.

Makkah Region Development Authority will present plans and studies to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman for final approval and execution on a time-bound basis, reported the Saudi Gazette.

The plans also include construction of residential towers on the mountain slope of Mina in a way not violating the sanctity of the holy site, it stated.

A total of six towers have already been constructed in Mina and these have the capacity to accommodate around 12,000 pilgrims.

The studies also recommended developing the tents in Arafat and making more facilities and arrangements for the stay of pilgrims in Muzdalifah, it added.