Haramain High-Speed Train Prepares for Ramadan with 1.7 Million Passengers Expected

The Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) has finalized preparations to operate an expanded schedule of the Haramain High-Speed Railway during the holy month of Ramadan, with more than 1.7 million passengers expected to travel.

According to official reports, the railway will run over 3,600 trips throughout Ramadan, including more than 100 daily services. The schedule has been carefully aligned with prayer times and the peak movement of Umrah pilgrims traveling between the holy cities.

The high-speed rail line connects Makkah and Madinah, passing through Jeddah and King Abdullah Economic City along a 453-kilometer route. Trains on the network can reach speeds of up to 300 kilometers per hour, making it one of the fastest rail services in the region.

To further boost capacity, SAR has signed an agreement with Spanish manufacturer Talgo to purchase 20 additional high-speed trains. Deliveries are scheduled between 2028 and 2031, supporting long-term expansion plans.

Railway officials stated that these operational enhancements align with the Kingdom’s broader development goals under Vision 2030 and the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, which aim to strengthen infrastructure and improve services for residents and visitors.

Construction of the Haramain High-Speed Railway began in 2009, with commercial operations launching in 2018. Since then, it has played a vital role in facilitating fast and efficient travel for pilgrims and other passengers across western Saudi Arabia.