Makkah: The General Transport Center of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and the Holy Sites has successfully managed the Ifadah phase from Mina to the Grand Mosque through an integrated operational system. This system is centered on organized shuttle transportation, phased grouping, and strategic time and spatial distribution of crowd pressure, during one of the most critical phases of Hajj.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the shuttle operations were launched from Mina to the Grand Mosque following a meticulously designed operational plan. This plan included dedicated shuttle lanes exclusively for buses, distinct from pedestrian pathways, and operated 100 articulated buses, each with a capacity of 125 passengers, accommodating up to 20,000 passengers per hour. This initiative significantly reduced travel time to just 20 minutes, facilitating the performance of Tawaf al-Ifadah in an efficient manner.
The West Jamarat Station played a crucial role in supporting this system by receiving pilgrims from Mina and transferring them directly to shuttle lanes towards the Grand Mosque. This organization effectively managed crowd flow and enhanced transportation quality. The center's efforts extended beyond the Ifadah phase, improving connectivity in previous phases and developing essential intersections such as Souq al-Arab Street and Al-Jawhara Street, which streamlined bus movement from Arafat to Muzdalifah.
The operational plan, implemented by Kadana Development Company, included the establishment of 71 emergency centers and points at vital locations within the holy sites. This initiative aimed to enable rapid response to densely populated or restricted areas, ensuring a safer environment for pilgrims. For train transportation via the holy sites, the Center collaborated with the Saudi Railways Company (SAR) to activate a system that used colored cards to specify boarding times, which organized crowds and balanced station density.
An interactive map detailing the pilgrim service routes between Mina and the Grand Mosque was activated, showing six precise routes, most concluding at midnight on the 11th of Dhu al-Hijjah, except route No. 4, which extended until midnight on the 12th of Dhu al-Hijjah, providing operational flexibility. These initiatives were further supported by facilitating movement on the second and third ring roads, improving access and mobility during peak Hajj stages. This efficient system was evident in transportation indicators, reducing the ascent time to Tarwiyah by four hours and direct travel time to Arafat by two and a half hours, with the first Ifadah stage to Muzdalifah completed precisely at 11:58 in the evening.
The General Transport Center maintains its role as a major operational hub within the Royal Commission system, emphasizing harmonious planning and implementation among concerned parties, advance preparation, and real-time crowd movement control. This contributes to enhancing the Hajj experience and elevating transportation service quality in the holy sites.