Saudi Arabia deploys 20 high-speed trains for pilgrim travel.

Saudi Arabia has announced a significant expansion of its Haramain high-speed railway network through the introduction of 20 brand-new high-speed trains. This strategic initiative is designed to meet the growing demand for fast, reliable, and comfortable transport, particularly during the peak Hajj and Umrah seasons, when millions of pilgrims travel between the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. The investment reflects the Kingdom’s broader goals under Vision 2030 to diversify its economy, reduce dependency on oil, and enhance public infrastructure.

Enhancing Transport Capacity and Efficiency
The Haramain railway has been a central component of Saudi Arabia’s transport infrastructure since its launch in 2018, offering a direct, high-speed connection between Mecca and Medina. Operating at speeds of up to 300 km/h, the current fleet of 36 Talgo 350 trains can carry up to 417 passengers per trip and is built to withstand the Kingdom’s extreme climate, from 0°C in winter to 50°C in summer. With the addition of 20 new trains, the network will be able to operate more frequent services, reduce waiting times, and alleviate overcrowding—especially during peak pilgrimage periods.

Alignment with Vision 2030 Goals
This expansion project is closely tied to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to modernize infrastructure, improve quality of life, and position the Kingdom as a leading global destination for tourism and business. The Haramain railway plays a vital role in these objectives by enabling fast, safe, and sustainable travel between two of the most visited cities in the world. By strengthening its high-speed rail system, Saudi Arabia is not only improving domestic mobility but also establishing itself as a regional leader in modern transportation solutions.

Economic Benefits and Job Creation
The project’s impact goes beyond transportation improvements. The procurement, manufacturing, and maintenance of the new trains will create a significant number of jobs in the rail sector, including positions for drivers, engineers, technicians, and customer service staff. Moreover, the expansion will stimulate private sector investment and contribute to the Kingdom’s economic diversification strategy. Increased rail capacity will also support the growth of the tourism sector, making travel to Mecca and Medina more convenient for visitors from around the world. This, in turn, is expected to generate additional tourism-related revenue for the economy.

Reducing Road Congestion
In addition to improving passenger comfort and travel times, the expansion will help ease traffic congestion on highways linking Mecca and Medina. By offering more high-speed rail options, the government aims to encourage more travelers to choose the railway over road transport, reducing vehicle congestion and enhancing safety.

Looking Ahead
The new trains will be delivered after the completion of the tender process and supplier contract finalization. They will be gradually integrated into the existing fleet, ensuring a smooth transition and continuous service for passengers. Once operational, the expanded network will mark a major milestone in Saudi Arabia’s journey toward building a world-class transportation system capable of supporting its ambitious development and tourism goals.

With this investment, Saudi Arabia is taking a decisive step toward transforming its public transport infrastructure, improving the pilgrimage experience, and reinforcing its status as a hub for modern, efficient, and sustainable mobility in the region.