Saudi Arabia's transport minister Abdullah Al-Muqbil, who is chairman of the board of the Saudi Railways Organisation (SRO), said Haramain High-Speed Railway Network is now receiving electricity through overhead lines, and a train has been tested on the line with a gradual speed of 300kmph.
Tests will continue for a few months until the efficiency of the train is verified, Al-Muqbil said, adding he expects King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) and Madinah to be linked to the railway line at the end of 2015.
Local daily Arab News reported that the Haramain railway station in Jeddah is yet to be fully completed, but progress in Makkah is ahead of schedule.
The project includes the establishment of railway lines between Makkah, Jeddah and Madinah, spanning a total length of 450 km.
Train stations will be established in Central Jeddah, King Abdul Aziz Airport in Jeddah, Makkah, Madinah and King Abdullah Economic City in Rabigh.
Haramain train represents one of the important elements in the executive program to expand the railway network in the Kingdom, and is considered urgent due to the growing number of Umrah and Haj pilgrims and visitors who come to Makkah and Madinah throughout the year.
Construction Week
21 July
