In a groundbreaking development, Indian Haj pilgrims will now experience a significantly more comfortable and time-efficient journey from Jeddah airport to Makkah, thanks to high-speed trains.
The Indian ambassador, Suhel Ajaz Khan, highlighted this inaugural initiative, which marks a significant milestone for both Indian pilgrims and Saudi authorities. This year, for the first time, Indian pilgrims are being transported directly from Jeddah airport to Makkah via the high-speed Haramain Train, drastically reducing their travel time by half and enhancing their comfort.
Traditionally, Indian pilgrims relied on buses for this journey, a service provided by Saudi authorities. However, special arrangements by the Indian consulate general in Jeddah and Saudi authorities have enabled some pilgrims to utilize the high-speed train, which can reach speeds of up to 300 km/h. This year, approximately 32,000 Indian pilgrims will benefit from this new service, according to a statement from the Indian embassy. “This will make their journey very comfortable and will reduce the travel time from Jeddah to Makkah by half,” the statement emphasized.
The first group of Indian pilgrims to use the high-speed train were escorted by Indian ambassador Suhel Ajaz Khan and consul general Mohammed Shahid Alam. They were joined by the vice president of Saudi Arabian Railways, Eng Al Harbi, and officials from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Haj and Ministry of Transport. The pilgrims arrived on a Saudia Air flight from Mumbai.
“This is not only a first for Indian pilgrims but also an inaugural experience for Saudi authorities in transporting Hajis by train directly from Jeddah airport to Makkah,” stated Khan.
Indian authorities continually strive to enhance the comfort and ease of the Haj pilgrimage. This year, a total of 175,000 pilgrims from India will perform the Haj, with 140,000 of them traveling through the Haj Committee of India.
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