Makkah: The general transport center of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites (RCMC) managed the Ifadah phase from Mina to the Grand Mosque, one of the most delicate and densely populated phases of Hajj rituals. The RCMC employed an integrated operational system based on organized shuttle transportation, phased grouping, and the strategic distribution of crowd density across time and space.
According to Saudi Press Agency, shuttle operations from Mina to the Grand Mosque were launched as part of a meticulously planned operational strategy. The plan included the allocation of dedicated shuttle lanes for buses, separate from pedestrian traffic, and the deployment of 100 buses, each with a capacity of 125 passengers, enabling the transport of up to 20,000 passengers per hour. This system significantly reduced travel time to just 20 minutes, facilitating the performance of Tawaf Al-Ifadah in record time.
In cooperation with the Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR), the center implemented a structured system for grouping pilgrims onto the Haramain High-Speed Railway, utilizing colored cards to accurately assign boarding times. This system helps manage crowd movement and maintain balanced density across the stations. Additionally, an interactive map of pilgrim service routes between Mina and the Grand Mosque was activated, clearly outlining the distribution of six designated routes. This provides operational flexibility, allowing for real-time adjustments based on on-the-ground conditions.
The center remains a central operational hub within the RCMC's system, supported by coordinated planning and execution among relevant agencies. Through proactive planning and real-time crowd management, the center plays a vital role in improving the Hajj experience and enhancing the quality of transportation services across the holy sites.