The Minister of Transport and Logistics in Saudi Arabia, Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser, has verified the readiness and completion of preparations in the transport and logistics sector to service pilgrims for Hajj in 1445.
The sector has deployed all its capabilities in various modes of transportation, including airports, ports, railways, road networks, public transportation, and logistics services, to provide safe and smooth travel for pilgrims.
The sector has implemented new technology, such as asphalt recycling equipment, drone technology for road network inspection, and road cooling initiatives, to improve services and support logistical operations for pilgrims.
Riyadh, June 7, 2024." Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistics, verified the transport and logistics sector's readiness and completion of preparations for its facilities, staff, and operational plans to service pilgrims in 1445, according to a ministry release. The goal is to provide pilgrims with safe and smooth travel via various air, land, sea, and rail routes from the moment they arrive in the Kingdom, through their journey to the holy sites, and back home.During the transport and logistics sector's media meeting in Mina, the minister thanked the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince for their exceptional care and attention to pilgrims, allowing them to perform their rituals with ease and peace, according to the ministry. Following a field inspection tour to assess the sector's readiness and ongoing preparations to serve the pilgrims, Al-Jasser stated that the transport and logistics system has deployed all of its capabilities in the aviation sector, airport facilities, ports, railways, road network, public transportation, and logistics services.Furthermore, about 47,000 specialist workers are participating, and six airports in the Kingdom have been equipped to accommodate Hajj flights, with 21,000 personnel assigned to serve pilgrims at these airports. Additionally, 7,700 planes have reserved 3.4 million seats for pilgrims.
The minister emphasized the integration of various modes of transportation to serve pilgrims beginning with their arrival at the Kingdom's airports, including travel via 35 trains on the Haramain High-Speed Rail network, which offers more than 1.6 million seats, and the Mashaaer Train, which has 27,000 buses available for the pilgrims' spiritual journey.Al-Jasser further stated that the capacity of airports, railways, and logistics services has increased, and the operational capacities at ports have improved to support logistical operations and supply chains, resulting in the best services for pilgrims. This year, the transport and logistics sector implemented new technology in accordance with the national transport and logistics policy. These include the use of asphalt recycling equipment for faster maintenance and environmental preservation on road networks, the widespread use of drone technology for road network inspection and evaluation using thermal scanning, and the expansion of the road cooling initiative in collaboration with various entities. The program covers more than 25,000 square meters around the Namirah Mosque in Arafat, lowering temperatures by almost 20% compared to adjacent roadways.We have prepared the full road network connecting the holy places.
The kingdom's road network is well-known for its global interconnectedness, with more than 13,000 kilometers surveyed, over 5,000 kilometers maintained, more than 1,000 bridges inspected, and five major routes dedicated to serving pilgrims arriving in Mecca. The logistics and postal services sector completed all logistical preparations for serving pilgrims, including the ""Hajj Without Luggage"" service. This service transports pilgrims' luggage from various districts of the Kingdom to the holy sites, and vice versa for domestic pilgrims. This service transports international pilgrims from airports to hotels and back. Haramain Train travelers also benefit from luggage storage and shipping services, which make it easier to do rituals without having to carry their bags. Furthermore, Jeddah Islamic Port offers extensive logistics services to support the necessary supply chains.According to Al-Jasser, the transport and logistics sector will continue to work hard to provide the best services possible, meeting the expectations of wise leadership in accordance with the National Strategy for Transport and Logistics and Vision 2030.
This assures integration with the efforts and intentions of different other government bodies to provide pilgrims with the necessary facilities, allowing them to complete their rites with ease, safety, and tranquility.Meanwhile, Eng. Anef Abanomai, president of the Saudi Post Corporation (SPL), affirmed that over 570 qualified personnel are assisting pilgrims in accordance with best worldwide practices as part of an integrated effort with other participating institutions throughout the Hajj season. Dedicated postal offices, operating around the clock throughout the Hajj season, serve 121 government institutions, with 45 locations ready to serve pilgrims in Makkah, Al-Madina, and the holy sites.President Omar Hariri of the General Authority of Ports noted that the administration is actively assisting pilgrims at Jeddah Islamic Port, which is one of the main entry points for those traveling by water. The port provides direct logistical services, including basic supplies and medical essentials for pilgrims. Hariri stated that the port is fully prepared with the necessary services and preparations, including all relevant institutions. These include arrival and departure halls that can hold up to 1,300 passengers, 100 passport screening points, and customs and security procedures. Furthermore, the Hadi and Udhiya projects design the Jeddah Islamic Port to receive and handle cattle. In collaboration with other institutions, we carry out handling and clearance procedures to ensure the safety of the cattle before transporting them to the holy sites.
The CEO of Saudi Railway Company, Dr. Bashar Al-Malik, announced the introduction of an updated smart bracelet for the Mashaaer Train this year. A mobile application, which includes a rail user guide and alerts pilgrims about their train timetables, will link the wristband. The program will also provide information about Hajj campaigns, allowing pilgrims to find campaign information, contact numbers, and directions to their campaign tents. Al-Malik also revealed that pilgrims have access to over 1.6 million seats this Hajj season, a rise of over 100,000 seats compared to the previous year. Fully equipped to accommodate pilgrims, the Mashaaer Train transports over 2 million passengers on nearly 2,000 trips during Hajj. Numerous relevant institutions coordinated a thorough exercise that culminated the experimental activities.
