Hajj Corporation has decided to facilitate travel on the Haramain High Speed Railway for Maldivian Umrah pilgrims instead of traveling by bus.
Hajj Corporation stated that Maldivian Umrah pilgrims will be able to travel between Mecca and Medina using the Haramain High Speed Railway. The company stated that this will not impact its price of facilitating the Umrah trip.
Bus journeys between Mecca and Medina take around 6 to 8 hours while the high-speed train journey between Mecca and Medina takes about 2 hours or 2 hours and 20 minutes. The Haramain High Speed Railway provides a spacious and quality service and the Hajj Corporation expressed confidence that it will greatly ease the burden of the pilgrims.
Hajj Corporation highlighted the challenges faced by pilgrims when traveling by bus, citing concerns about the potential spread of diseases. Pilgrims encounter difficulties in maintaining their prayer and hygiene routines during bus journeys, further exacerbated by inadequate restroom facilities and unsatisfactory cleanliness standards at the stops for meals and refreshments.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has prioritised providing quality and convenient services for pilgrims and reducing the cost of Hajj and Umrah trips.