Minister: S. Arabia finalizes hajj transport preparations

The Saudi transport and logistical services have finalized preparations for the upcoming pilgrimage for serving the pilgrims, said Minister of Transport and Logistical Services Saleh Al-Jasser on Thursday. The minister, speaking at a news conference after he examined the various sectors related to the hajj season, affirmed that the concerned authorities had already secured the land, air, maritime and railway routes for the waves of incoming devotees, affirming that all necessary facilities were made available for pilgrims' easy movement from arrival in the holy land until departure. Up to six airports have been prepared to receive the coming pilgrims who will be aided and served by 26,000 cadres and 7,700 flights have been scheduled to bring in the pilgrims. The pilgrims can use 35 trains through the Al-Haramain high-speed railway that will transport more than 1.6 million pilgrims, minister Al-Jasser said, in addition to 27,000 buses that will transport the devotees from one ritual place to another. He ha s also indicated that new technologies are being employed for serving the pilgrims; namely road cooling systems and drones. Source: Kuwait News Agency