Islamabad, May 8, 2025: In a major upgrade ahead of Hajj 2025, Saudi Railways SAR has announced a 25% increase in seating capacity on the Haramain High-Speed Railway, aiming to streamline pilgrim travel between Makkah and Madinah.
With enhanced infrastructure, advanced technology, and tougher regulations, Saudi Arabia is setting new benchmarks for managing the world’s largest religious gathering.
Saudi Arabia is gearing up for Hajj 2025 with a comprehensive transportation overhaul led by Saudi Railways SAR.
READ MORE: U.S. Cardinal Elected as New Pope in Historic Vatican Decision
The crown jewel of the plan—the Haramain High-Speed Railway, one of the world’s fastest passenger trains—will now accommodate 2 million pilgrims, thanks to an additional 400,000 seats added over last year’s capacity.
According to the detailed schedule, 4,768 train trips will be conducted between Madinah and Makkah through 20 Dhu al-Hijjah 1446, ensuring punctual and safe travel for pilgrims.
The Haramain rail system features 35 high-speed trains, each capable of running at 300 km/h with 417 seats, offering a swift, eco-conscious, and comfortable ride.
Strict Monitoring and Penalties for Violations
In parallel with service upgrades, Saudi authorities are doubling down on enforcement to maintain order during the pilgrimage.
Any attempt at unauthorised Hajj travel could now result in hefty fines ranging from SAR 10,000 to SAR 100,000, imprisonment, deportation, and a 10-year entry ban.
Read More: Saudi Arabia’s Tallest Building Set to Outshine Burj Khalifa
Pakistani Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ahmed Farooq, emphasized the importance of following regulations, noting that 11,000 Pakistani pilgrims overstayed their visas during the previous season.
To counter this, Pakistani pilgrims will receive electronic wristbands for real-time monitoring, helping ensure they adhere to their approved travel plans. Delayed exits from Makkah will now be treated as serious offenses.
Wider Transportation Network and Logistics Support
The expansion isn’t limited to rail. Saudi Arabia has deployed 25,000 buses and boosted its air and sea capacity as part of a national effort to accommodate millions of pilgrims.
The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has allocated 3 million flight seats, while Saudi Arabian Airlines alone is offering 1 million seats via 2,000 flights.
Meanwhile, the Al Mashair Metro will make 2,000 trips, transporting more than 2 million passengers across pilgrimage sites.
At Jeddah Islamic Port, 436 staff members have been assigned to manage smooth entry for approximately 5,000 pilgrims arriving by sea.
Integration of Health Logistics
For the first time, Saudi Post (SPL) will utilize refrigerated vehicles to transport medical supplies across Hajj zones, highlighting the rising focus on health and safety logistics.
With these robust preparations and cutting-edge solutions, Saudi Railways SAR and other national agencies are paving the way for a safer, faster, and more organized Hajj 2025 experience.
