The Minister of Transport and Logistic Services, Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, confirmed the completion of all necessary means to serve pilgrims, with the transport and logistics system harnessing various advanced technologies, including road-cooling technology, self-driving buses, and the use of virtual glasses to monitor the compliance of transport activities through augmented-reality technology.
This came during a press conference held on Thursday in the holy sites, in the presence of the competent authorities concerned with the Hajj season, where the ministry reviewed preparations it had made for this year’s season and the most important technologies used to serve the pilgrims.
Eng. Al-Jasser explained that this year’s Hajj season witnesses the provision of drones for use in road inspection and traffic control, noting the deployment of 40,000 specialized personnel in the transportation system to serve the pilgrims.
The Vice Minister of Transport and Logistic Services for Road Affairs, Eng. Bader Al-Dulami, reiterated that the ministry has surveyed all road networks from the ports to the holy sites, and 7,400 kilometers have been maintained, and much construction has been carried out, including the repair of 124,000 meters of expansion joints.
The President of the Saudi Postal Corporation (SPL), Eng. Anef Abanomi, explained that there is integration with all partners in the transport and logistics system to provide the best services to pilgrims and enhance their experience in performing their rituals. He highlighted the provision of more than 566 qualified employees to deal with masses and in a way that supports complementary work with other agencies participating in the Hajj season, and preparing 45 sites to serve pilgrims in Makkah, Madinah, and the holy sites.
He added that SPL provides its logistical services by shipping parcels of Madinah dates to various countries through postal outlets, in addition to providing the service of purchasing sacrificial animals, in partnership with the Islamic Development Bank, through the institution’s points of sale in Makkah, Madinah, and the holy sites.
Meanwhile, the CEO of the Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani), Omar Hariri, noted the authority’s keenness to continuously ensure smooth movement, and the presence of specialists around the clock, to achieve business continuity and facilitate the transportation of pilgrims from the time of their arrival until their departure. He noted that the last ship carrying pilgrims to Jeddah Islamic Port will be received today, thus completing the reception of pilgrims with a total of 6,821 pilgrims.
The CEO of the Saudi Railways Company (SAR), Dr. Bashar Al-Malik, said that the transport and logistics system allocated one of the longest trains in the world to serve the pilgrims, pointing out that SAR trains contribute to enhancing integration and interdependence with all modes of the transport system. He said the Mashaer Train, whose 15 cars are 277 meters long, has made more than 2,200 trips during the Hajj season.
He pointed out that the train conductors are equipped to deal with all operating movements on the Mashaer Train, in addition to carrying out mock emergency drills to deal with situations efficiently.
Vice President of the Transport General Authority for the Regulatory Sector, Eng. Fawaz Al-Sahli, confirmed that the transport and logistics sector is witnessing a harmonized integration to serve pilgrims and facilitate their movement to and from the holy sites. He said all organizational and supervisory work on land, sea, and rail transport services has been completed at an early stage and ensures that the licensed companies comply with the regulations, legislation, and technical requirements that guarantee the safety of transporting pilgrims.
He added that 1,000 electric scooters will be provided to serve the pilgrims to save time and effort, in addition the allocation of more than 24,000 buses, including self-driving ones with a dedicated route between the Arafah and Muzdalifah.
The head of the Jeddah Airports Company, Ayman Abo Abah, said that the integration of the civil aviation sector with all aspects of the transportation system facilitated the movement of pilgrims and their arrival to the kingdom until they arrive at the holy sites. He said six airports have been prepared to serve them, in addition to allocating several electric buses at King Abdulaziz Airport, King Abdulaziz International Airport, and Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Airport to transfer passengers to and from the airport terminal. The buses are fully electric-powered and have several advanced technologies, including surveillance cameras and services for the disabled.
The conference concluded with a meeting of the supervisory committee for the works and preparations of the transport and logistics system for the Hajj season, affirming the directives of the Saudi leadership to serve the pilgrims and provide all means that contribute to their comfort and safety from the minute of their arrival in the Kingdom and during their performance of their rituals until their safe departure to their countries.
Source: Saudi Press Agency