Saudi Arabia’s long awaited fastest train Haramain will eventually start commercial operations as of this September 24.
The train, capable of moving at speeds exceeding 300 Km per hour, will connect Madinah and Mecca cities. The 450km line will also include Jeddah and King Abdullah Economic City of Rabigh.
Journey times between Makkah and Jeddah will go down to 21 minutes, Jeddah to King Abdulaziz Airport to 14 minutes, and King Abdulaziz Airport to Rabigh to 36 minutes.
Passengers will complete the trip between Madinah and Mecca in less than 2 hours and half.
The line was set to be operational as early as 2012 but has been regularly delayed. The government conducted soft runs last year for an early 2018 beginning.
Reports say stations at Makkah, Madinah and Rabigh had now been fully furnished while finishing touches were being made at the Jeddah station.
Prior to September 24 reported launching, authorities offered in June 3 free trips as part of trial. Over 200 people reportedly tried the services from Madinah to Mecca.
Eight services will be available on daily basis in Madinah and Mecca but reports note that they could be increased to 12 as of the beginning of next year.
Authorities expect the line to move 60 million people per year when it reaches its full capacity by early next year.
