Haramain train project undergoes rigorous tests

Minister of Transport Abdullah Al-Muqbil checked on the progress of the multibillion-riyal Haramain high-speed railway this week, and rode on a train during a test run.

Al-Muqbil inspected all components and stages of the rail project which will run between Makkah, Jeddah, Rabigh and Madinah, according to a report in a local online publication on Wednesday.

Al-Muqbil started out checking bridges, intersections and stations, and urged contractors to complete the work without delay. He urged the Spanish company involved in the project to make sure it is completed on schedule.

He also traveled on a train that ran at 180 km per hour. During the journey, Al-Muqbil was briefed by officials on various aspects of the project. He also met Saudi students who received training in Spain to run the train.

At the end of the journey, Al-Muqbil said that Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman wanted the project completed to the highest possible standards. It would help grow the economy and benefit people locally.

He said the ministry was making every effort to ensure the project was completed on time. He was accompanied by Rumaih Al-Rumaih, chief executive officer of the Saudi Railway Company, Mohammad Tawfeeq Madani, director general of roads and transport in Makkah, officials from the Saudi Railways Organization and representatives of the contractors involved in the project.