RIYADH – Saudi Arabia has inaugurated the high-speed train service betweenMecca and Medina as the latest transport project will help people cover the450km distance within just two hours and 52 minutes owing to theexceptional 300 kilometers (180 miles) per hour speed.

The first full journey of the Haramain Express Train was taken by ministerof transport and chairman of Saudi Railway Organization and Saudi RailwaysCompany (SAR) Dr. Nabil Al-Amoudi. He examined the project as it went fromMedina to Mecca, the two holy cities for Muslims all across the world.——————————

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The operational readiness of the high-speed train was tested. The trainwill not only help the millions of pilgrims who travel to Saudi Arabiaevery year in order to perform Hajj and Umrah but also be convenient meansof transport for the local residents. The high-speed train only comprisesfive stations for people to visit the Holy Mosques and places between thecities.——————————

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The complete inauguration of the speedy train is expected within afew months. The consortium in charge of the second phase of the project iscomposed of Spanish and Saudi Arabian companies who will be responsible forthe operations and maintenance during the next 12 years.