Hajj metro launches first trips, targets over two million pilgrims this season

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th May, 2026) Al Mashaaer Al Mugaddassah Metro launched its first operational journeys for the Hajj 1447 AH season to transport pilgrims between the holy sites of Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah.

According to Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the metro system operates through nine stations linking the major holy sites to facilitate smooth and organized movement for pilgrims during Hajj rituals.

The report said each train can accommodate up to 3,000 passengers, while the network has an operational capacity reaching 72,000 passengers per hour.

Authorities said this year’s operational plan aims to transport more than two million passengers through over 2,000 journeys during the Hajj season.

SPA told APP that the metro service is also expected to reduce the need for more than 50,000 bus trips, helping ease congestion and improve crowd management inside the holy sites.

The report said Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) completed maintenance and preparation works for the fleet of 17 trains before the start of Hajj operations.

Preparations included upgrades to signaling systems, communications networks and operational control centers to ensure safe and efficient services for pilgrims throughout the Hajj season.