King Salman launches Haramain high-speed rail linking holy cities

Saudi Arabia's King Salman on Tuesday inaugurated the Haramain high-speed railway project, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The opening ceremony was attended by Prince Khalid Al-Faisal, governor of Makkah and advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques; Prince Mishaal bin Majed, Jeddah governor; Prince Abdullah bin Bandar, deputy governor of Makkah, and Nabil Al-Amoudi, the Saudi Minister of Transport.

On this occasion, Al-Amoudi tweeted:

“I am delighted to announce that the Haramain high-speed rail is ready to begin operations. We’re all proud to shuttle Hajj and Umrah performers, citizens and all passengers in this sacred place.”

The train was launched under the patronage of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, who was keen to overcome all obstacles to the new project.

The railway will help the Kingdom accommodate continuous growth in the number of pilgrims and Umrah performers, Al-Amoudi added.

The train will launch commercial services on Oct. 4, Argaam reported.

The 450 kilometer-long rail line will connect Makkah, Jeddah, King Abdul Aziz International Airport, King Abdullah Economic City in Rabigh and Madinah.