Riyadh: Minister of Transport and Logistics Eng. Saleh Al-Jasser confirmed the readiness of the transport and logistics sector and the completion of preparations for its facilities, staff, and operational plans to serve the pilgrims this year 1445, the ministry said in a statement. The aim is to ensure safe and smooth travel for pilgrims via various air, land, sea, and rail routes from their arrival in the Kingdom, through their journey to the holy sites, and until they complete their rituals and safely return home. During the media meeting of the transport and logistics sector in Mina, the minister expressed his gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Crown Prince for their immense care and attention to the pilgrims, enabling them to perform their rituals with ease and peace, the ministry said. Following a field inspection tour to check the readiness of the sector and ongoing preparations to serve the pilgrims, Al-Jasser highlighted that the transport and logistics system has mobilized al l its capabilities in the aviation sector, airport facilities, ports, railways, road network, public transport, and logistics services. Furthermore, over 47,000 specialized personnel are involved, and six airports in the Kingdom have been prepared to receive Hajj flights, with 21,000 personnel dedicated to serving pilgrims in these airports. Additionally, 3.4 million seats have been allocated for pilgrims on flights through 7,700 flights. The minister emphasized the integration of various modes of transport to serve pilgrims from their arrival at the Kingdom's airports, including travel via 35 trains on the Haramain High-Speed Rail network, offering more than 1.6 million seats, and the Mashaaer Train, with 27,000 buses available for the pilgrims' spiritual journey. Moreover, Al-Jasser noted that the capacity of airports, railways, and logistics services has been increased, and operational capacities at ports have been enhanced to support logistics operations and supply chains, providing the best services fo r pilgrims. The transport and logistics sector has introduced new technologies this year in line with the national strategy for transport and logistics. These include using asphalt recycling equipment for faster maintenance and environmental preservation on road networks, extensive use of drone technology for road network inspection and evaluation using thermal scanning, and expanding the road cooling initiative in collaboration with various entities. The initiative covers over 25,000 square meters around Namirah Mosque in Arafat, reducing temperatures by approximately 20% compared to other roads. The entire road network leading to the holy sites has been prepared. The kingdom's road network is noted for its global connectivity, with more than 13,000 km surveyed, over 5,000 km maintained, and more than 1,000 bridges inspected, and five major roads dedicated to serving pilgrims arriving in Makkah. In the logistics and postal services sector, all logistical preparations for serving pilgrims were completed, inc luding the "Hajj Without Luggage" service, which transports pilgrims' luggage from various regions of the Kingdom to the holy sites and vice versa for domestic pilgrims. For international pilgrims, this service operates from airports to hotels and back for the return journey. Haramain Train passengers also benefit from luggage storage and shipping services, facilitating the performance of rituals without carrying their luggage. Additionally, Jeddah Islamic Port provides comprehensive logistics services to support necessary supply chains. Al-Jasser affirmed that the transport and logistics sector will continue to work diligently to provide the best services, meeting the aspirations of the wise leadership in line with the National Strategy for Transport and Logistics, and Vision 2030. This ensures integration with the efforts and plans of various other government entities to offer all facilities for pilgrims, enabling them to perform their rituals with ease, safety, and peace. Meanwhile, the president of the Saudi Post Corporation (SPL), Eng. Anef Abanomai, confirmed that over 570 qualified employees, adhering to best global practices, are serving pilgrims, supporting the integrated efforts with other participating entities during the Hajj season. Additionally, 121 government entities are served by dedicated postal offices operating around the clock throughout the Hajj season, with 45 sites prepared to serve pilgrims in Makkah, Al-Madina, and the holy sites. General Authority for Ports President Omar Hariri emphasized that the authority is actively serving the pilgrims through Jeddah Islamic Port, one of the key entry points for those arriving by sea. The port offers direct logistical services, providing essential supplies and medical necessities for the pilgrims. Hariri highlighted that the port is fully equipped with all necessary services and preparations, involving all related entities. These include arrival and departure halls that can accommodate up to 1,300 people, equipped with 100 passport control point s, as well as customs and security arrangements. Moreover, the Jeddah Islamic Port is designated for receiving and handling livestock for the Hadi and Udhiya programs. The handling and clearance procedures are conducted in cooperation with several entities to ensure the livestock's safety before transporting them to the holy sites. Saudi Railway Company chief executive Dr. Bashar Al-Malik announced the introduction of an updated smart bracelet for the Mashaaer Train this year. The bracelet will be linked to a mobile application that includes a guide for using the train and sends notifications to pilgrims about their train schedules. The application will also provide details of the Hajj campaigns, allowing pilgrims to access campaign information, contact numbers, and guidance to their campaign tents. Additionally, Al-Malik confirmed that more than 1.6 million seats were made available for pilgrims this Hajj season, an increase of over 100,000 seats compared to last year. The Mashaaer Train is fully prepared t o serve pilgrims, transporting over 2 million passengers during Hajj through more than 2,000 trips. The trial operations concluded with a comprehensive exercise coordinated with various relevant entities. Source: Saudi Press Agency
Wednesday, April 22, 2026