Indian Hajj pilgrims have embarked on a special journey, facilitated to travel from Jeddah airport to Makkah aboard a high-speed train. This initiative, spearheaded by the Consulate General of India in Jeddah and Saudi Arabian authorities, aims to enhance the pilgrimage experience by reducing travel time.
Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, India’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, shared that nearly 32,000 pilgrims are expected to utilize this service, which halves the usual travel time. Accompanied by Vice President of Saudi Arabian Railways Eng Al Harbi, Dr. Khan joined the pilgrims on their inaugural train journey.
The fare for the train journey, priced at 125 Saudi Arabian Riyal (approximately Rs 2,800), remains the same as the previous bus fare. Running at a speed of 300 km per hour, the high-speed train offers a swift and efficient mode of transportation for the pilgrims.
With approximately 140,000 Indians participating in the annual Hajj pilgrimage through the Haj Committee route and an additional 35,000 via private tour operators, this initiative marks a significant milestone for Indian pilgrims. Ambassador Khan highlighted that this initiative not only benefits Indian pilgrims but also underscores the strong relations between India and Saudi Arabia.