29 May 2016
JEDDAH: Test runs of the multibillion-riyal Haramain train will take place on schedule in the second half of this year, according to a report in a local publication on Friday.
Twelve Spanish companies are currently involved in completing the second stage of the project, which includes several suspension bridges of 2,500 meters in length and 24 meters high. Ninety percent of these structures have been completed, the report stated.
There are now two bridges linking the station with the King Abdulaziz International Airport on a track coming from Madinah. There will be a bridge of 1,500 meters in length and 15 meters high on the route to Makkah. One bridge will be more than 70 meters in width, the widest in the world.
The 447-km Haramain train line runs from Makkah to Jeddah and Rabigh going through many neighborhoods and farms toward Madinah. The executing company has already completed 429 kilometers of the first stage.
According to reports, the train is expected to be fully operational in 2017. When it enters service, the number of buses transporting pilgrims will be reduced substantially. They will only be used to take pilgrims from railway stations in Makkah and Madinah to their accommodation.
The high speed train will be linked to the Makkah metro to provide pilgrims with easy and fast transportation to the holy sites. As many as 12 carriages are being used now in the ongoing test runs between Madinah and King Abdullah Economic City in Rabigh.
JEDDAH: Test runs of the multibillion-riyal Haramain train will take place on schedule in the second half of this year, according to a report in a local publication on Friday.
Twelve Spanish companies are currently involved in completing the second stage of the project, which includes several suspension bridges of 2,500 meters in length and 24 meters high. Ninety percent of these structures have been completed, the report stated.
There are now two bridges linking the station with the King Abdulaziz International Airport on a track coming from Madinah. There will be a bridge of 1,500 meters in length and 15 meters high on the route to Makkah. One bridge will be more than 70 meters in width, the widest in the world.
The 447-km Haramain train line runs from Makkah to Jeddah and Rabigh going through many neighborhoods and farms toward Madinah. The executing company has already completed 429 kilometers of the first stage.
According to reports, the train is expected to be fully operational in 2017. When it enters service, the number of buses transporting pilgrims will be reduced substantially. They will only be used to take pilgrims from railway stations in Makkah and Madinah to their accommodation.
The high speed train will be linked to the Makkah metro to provide pilgrims with easy and fast transportation to the holy sites. As many as 12 carriages are being used now in the ongoing test runs between Madinah and King Abdullah Economic City in Rabigh.
© Arab News 2016
