For the first time this year, Indian pilgrims undertaking the Haj will be able to travel from Jeddah Airport to Makkah via Haramain High-Speed Train. Indian Haj pilgrims will experience an unmatched level of comfort during their journey. The train, capable of speeds up to 300 km/h, represents a significant advancement in pilgrimage logistics, enhancing the overall pilgrimage experience. 

Each year, Indian authorities endeavor to enhance the comfort and convenience of the Haj pilgrimage.This year, 175,000 pilgrims from India are scheduled to undertake the Haj, with 140,000 of them traveling through the Haj Committee of India.

Earlier, pilgrims used buses, but this year, on the initiative of the Indian Consulate General in Jeddah, in collaboration with Saudi authorities, special arrangements were made, allowing Indian pilgrims to access the high-speed train for their travels. As per the Indian embassy, approximately 32,000 Indian pilgrims will have the opportunity to benefit from this customized service. This arrangement will enhance their travel comfort and cut the travel time from Jeddah to Makkah by half.

The first set of pilgrims journeying on the train were accompanied by Indian ambassador Suhel Ajaz Khan and Consul General Mohammed Shahid Alam. Accompanying them were Saudi Arabian Railways' Vice President Engineer Al Harbi along with representatives from Saudi Arabia's Ministries of Haj and Transport. Khan noted that this initiative is groundbreaking for both Indian pilgrims and Saudi authorities, as it marks the first time they are transporting Hajis directly from Jeddah airport to Makkah by train.

Source: Hindustan Times