MAKKAH — Al-Mashair Metro launched on Sunday its first journeys for the 2026 Hajj, serving pilgrims across nine stations linking the holy sites of Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah. Each train accommodates up to 3,000 passengers, with an operational capacity of 72,000 passengers per hour. This season's plan targets over two million passengers across 2,000 journeys, reducing the need for more than 50,000 bus trips during the season. Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) completed maintenance and preparation works for the fleet of 17 trains ahead of the season, including upgrades to signaling, communication systems, and the control center. SAR has continued operational preparations through an integrated plan aimed at transporting more than two million passengers. The project reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to developing transport services during the Hajjdays by providing a smart and safe mobility system that enables pilgrims to perform rituals with ease and reassurance, in line with the highest operational efficiency standards and the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. The eco-friendly electric train connects the holy sites of Mina, Muzdalifah, and Arafat, helping reduce travel time, ease traffic congestion, and improve crowd-management efficiency during peak periods. The metro entered service in November 2010 following two years of construction and has since become a key component in facilitating pilgrims’ movement between the holy sites. The line extends for 18 kilometers and includes nine stations, with three stations in each of Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Mina, in addition to Jamarat Station. The train reaches speeds of up to 80 km/h and covers the distance between Arafat Station 1 and Mina Station 3 in approximately 20 minutes. The fleet consists of 17 trains, each 277 meters long, with a capacity of up to 3,000 passengers per train. The system’s total transport capacity reaches around 72,000 passengers per hour, making it among the world’s highest-capacity transport systems. The operation of the metro has helped reduce the number of buses on roads leading to the holy sites by replacing around 50,000 bus trips. This has eased traffic congestion and enhanced environmental sustainability through reliance on electric energy with zero carbon emissions.