Mecca And Medina Finally Linked By Rail

The government of Saudi Arabia has finally launched the ambitious project to link the holy city of Mecca and Medina by rail via Jeddah.

The kingdom's Saudi Railway Organisation (SRO) has sought tenders from national and international companies to build the 444km Mecca-Medina Rail Link.

The project aims at providing a safe, fast, reliable and comfortable mode of transport for pilgrims performing the umrah and haj travelling between the two holy cities and Jeddah, SRO was quoted as saying in the latest edition of Haj & Umra, a monthly magazine published here.

Presently, haj pilgrims, including those from Malaysia, travel by chartered buses to Mecca, a journey that normally takes about 8 hours.

SRO said it planned the project after observing the growing number of pilgrims who travel between Mecca and Medina.

The number is expected to grow further as a result of new regulations facilitating umrah traffic.

Nearly 2.5 million pilgrims visit the holy cities during the haj season. In addition, 7.5 million, including two million in the month of Ramadhan alone, come for the umrah annually.

The Mecca-Medina Rail Link is part of the landmark railway expansion project that Saudi Arabia has undertaken. The project will link the country's eastern and western parts, giving a big boost to its economy.

Many international companies have expressed interest in the multibillion dollar venture.

In addition to the Mecca-Medina route, the Saudi planners are also considering light rail for Mecca that would also connect the haj holy sites.

The Mecca-based Institute of Haj Research and a private firm are in talks to set up a light rail network in and around Mecca.

The network will also connect the Grand Mosque with Mina and possibly with Arafah.

-- BERNAMA

Ahmad Kamal Dahalan