Mecca Metro carried 1.87 million people during Hajj week

Mecca Metro handled 1.87 million passenger trips between June 3 and 9, 2025, during the annual Hajj, despite facing extreme desert weather conditions. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The Al Mashaaer Al Mugaddassah line operates only during the Hajj and remains reliable even in temperatures reaching +50 °C and wind speeds up to 20 m/s.

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The route stretches 18.1 km and includes nine stations. Even under peak passenger loads, the line continues to function smoothly.

Seventeen trains run on the line, each composed of 12 cars and capable of carrying up to 5,000 passengers. With an average speed of 80 km/h, a full journey between terminals takes about 20 minutes.

Rolling stock and features of the Mecca Metro

Trainsets and control systems were supplied by CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles under a February 2009 contract valued at $1.79 billion.

Each train is designed to operate at speeds of up to 100 km/h and can transport up to 72,000 passengers per hour, ensuring uninterrupted service during peak pilgrimage days.

Mecca Metro network expansion continues

In 2012, the Saudi government announced plans to construct four additional metro lines, with a total investment of $16.5 billion.

Although initial construction began in 2015, delays and failed tenders paused the project. Work resumed in summer 2024 after renewed procurement rounds.

The extended network will span 188 km and add 87 new stations, significantly enhancing transport access for both residents and pilgrims in Mecca.

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