Haramain news
Haramain High-Speed Rail (HHR) is a high-speed rail project in Saudi Arabia that connects the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. Here are some recent news updates about Haramain:
Recent Developments:
- Commercial Operations: Haramain High-Speed Rail officially started commercial operations on December 11, 2019, with the first train departing from Makkah's King Abdullah Economic City station.
- Speed Record: In January 2020, a Haramain train set a new speed record for the fastest train in the Middle East, reaching a speed of 330 km/h (205 mph).
- Capacity Increase: In February 2020, the Saudi Railways Organization (SRO) announced plans to increase the train's capacity by 50% to accommodate more passengers during peak travel seasons.
- Extension Plans: There are ongoing discussions to extend the Haramain line to other cities in Saudi Arabia, including Jeddah and Riyadh.
Challenges and Controversies:
- Delays: The project faced significant delays, with the original completion date set for 2015. The project was finally completed in 2018, but with a significant cost overrun.
- Cost Overrun: The project's cost was estimated to be around $6.7 billion, but it ultimately cost around $16 billion, making it one of the most expensive rail projects in the world.
- Safety Concerns: There have been concerns about the safety of the train, particularly during peak travel seasons when the train is overcrowded.
Future Plans:
- Electrification: The Saudi Railways Organization plans to electrify the Haramain line to reduce carbon emissions and improve efficiency.
- Expansion: The SRO is exploring options to expand the Haramain line to other cities in Saudi Arabia, including Jeddah and Riyadh.
- High-Speed Rail Network: The Saudi government has announced plans to develop a high-speed rail network across the country, with the Haramain line being a key component.
These are some of the recent news updates about Haramain High-Speed Rail. If you're looking for more information or specific updates, please let me know!