SAUDI: New Jamarat Station to Cuts Tawaf Time, Process 20,000 Pilgrims Hourly
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
The Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites has advanced plans to enhance Hajj logistics with the establishment of the West Jamarat station, a major infrastructure project designed to streamline pilgrim movement between key ritual sites.
The new station is expected to significantly reduce transit time for pilgrims performing Tawaf Al-Ifadah, enabling completion of the journey to the Masjid al-Haram within approximately 20 minutes.
The station has been engineered with a capacity to handle up to 20,000 passengers per hour, positioning it as a critical component in efforts to ease congestion across the holy sites.
Authorities say the new station will provide a direct and efficient transport link between key pilgrimage locations, addressing long-standing logistical challenges associated with crowd movement during peak Hajj periods.
In addition to transport upgrades, the development includes six newly constructed public markets aimed at supporting private sector participation and catering to the needs of millions of pilgrims.
Three existing markets are also undergoing modernization to improve infrastructure and enhance the overall commercial experience within the area.
The Jamarat Station project forms part of a broader urban renewal strategy across Makkah, focused on improving accessibility, safety, and pilgrim comfort.
As part of the initiative, pedestrian spaces in central areas have been expanded by 127 percent to reduce congestion, while more than 30,000 square metres of shaded and cooled walkways are being introduced to mitigate the impact of extreme temperatures.
Sustainability measures have also been integrated into the plan, including the planting of 20,000 trees and a comprehensive upgrade of water and sewage infrastructure. Officials report that these interventions have already generated cost savings exceeding SR310 million.
The latest development underscores Saudi Arabia’s continued investment in large-scale infrastructure aimed at delivering a more efficient, safe, and seamless Hajj experience for millions of pilgrims from across the globe.
