Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH/MAKKAH — The Haramain High Speed train had its first trial run between Jeddah and Makkah on Monday.

The train departed Monday morning from Jeddah Central Station at Al-Sulaimaniah and arrived at Al-Rusaifah station, 3.5 kilometers from the Grand Mosque.

Onboard the train was Emir of Makkah Province Prince Khaled Al-Faisal. He was accompanied by his deputy Prince Abdullah Bin Bandar and recently appointed Minister of Transport Nabeel Al-Amoudi.

Prince Khaled Al-Faisal congratulated Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman, deputy premier and minister of defense, on the success of the project for the benefit of the Islamic World. It aims to serve Haj and Umrah pilgrims as well as residents.

“I extend my congratulations to Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman on this achievement and for the Kingdom’s efforts to serve Islam and Muslims and the country’s continuous development from its early history until today,” Prince Khaled said.

He said Makkah region needs more trains to link it with Jazan, Taif and Najran.

The 21-minute train ride between Makkah and Jeddah aims to support the transport of pilgrims.

The railway will be completed by the beginning of next year, Minister of Transport Al-Amoudi said.

In the future, the train will be linked to other railway lines and to the Jeddah Islamic Port.

The 450-kilometer railway has five stops in its network starting from Makkah, Jeddah, King Abdulaziz International Airport, King Abdullah Economic City in Rabigh, and Madinah.

It aims to transport 60 million commuters annually.

The high-speed train travels at 300 kmph. It will begin operation in 2018 and plans to link with the Makkah metro railway.

The price of tickets has not yet been finalized.