I was looking at all the construction going on in Makkah and a thought occured to me. All the construction is bringing in much needed accomodation for the millions that come to Makkah (and for the residents of the city). But what about transportation? Traffic in and around Makkah are terrible at times and, of course, there is the insanity during Hajj season.

Keeping that in mind, wouldn't it be an excellent idea to consider a mass transit system for Makkah? It would rid the city of hundreds of buses that come from neighboring countries and cities (which could be parked at the lots outside the city) and thousands of cars, including some taxis. I think high-speed trains, parts running above ground and parts underground (like near the Holy Mosque) or completely underground (which isn't necessary and would make it more expensive) would be perfect. It could link the major parking lots outside the city with the Holy Mosque and also have lines running to the important destinations for Hajj. I know some people would think Hajj isn't supposed to made that easy and it's against tradition and all that. Here's my argument: Wouldn't it be better if people were actually praying, etc, for all the hours that they're suffocating in their cars, vans, buses sitting and waiting to get to their tents?

Lastly, I think this would work because in Makkah people go to worship and they will make use of the ways that will make it easier for them to fulfill their mission. I wouldn't recommend mass transit systems for the other Saudi cities cuz people love their cars too much and most people would actually feel like it's degrading to ride a train with other people. Also, while traffic is bad in other cities, they don't compare to the traffic and chaos often witnessed in Makkah.

I think Makkah should be the first city in the Middle East to have a mass transit system. They should have monorails to and from the Holy Mosque to Mosdalefah, Arafat, and Mina, so that during the Hajj the people can easily move. A train every 5 minutes during peak hours will be helpful. But, I dont knowabout the economical aspect of it. Hajj is only 1 time a year for a week minimum and then that's it. But, if you make the one-day jounrey expensive like 50 riyals, you can make money out of it--and people will be forced to ride them.

But, an underground would never work--its too hot and its accident prone.

Maybe having a Makkah national airport in the outskirts maybe near 3azezia will solve some congestion. The Jeddah airport is a JOKE! Last year in the Hajj, it was worse than el 6awaf.

But the road highway system in Makkah is EXCELLENT, but you cant have free traffic during the Hajj. What can you do?

-->Just my 2 Halala's ;)

I think there are already plans in place for some sort of Mass Transit for Makkah?

And I believe it is infact in the form of Monorail.

I actually read an article about it on SSC some time back.

how can subway trains have accidents

i think makkah REALLY needs better transport. they need monorails to all around makkah, a train that goes to jeddah airport, expand jeddah airport, more parkings, and then they wont have anymore traffic problems.

I think Makkah should be the first city in the Middle East to have a mass transit system. They should have monorails to and from the Holy Mosque to Mosdalefah, Arafat, and Mina, so that during the Hajj the people can easily move. A train every 5 minutes during peak hours will be helpful. But, I dont knowabout the economical aspect of it. Hajj is only 1 time a year for a week minimum and then that's it. But, if you make the one-day jounrey expensive like 50 riyals, you can make money out of it--and people will be forced to ride them.

But, an underground would never work--its too hot and its accident prone.

Maybe having a Makkah national airport in the outskirts maybe near 3azezia will solve some congestion. The Jeddah airport is a JOKE! Last year in the Hajj, it was worse than el 6awaf.

But the road highway system in Makkah is EXCELLENT, but you cant have free traffic during the Hajj. What can you do?

-->Just my 2 Halala's ;)


It's not only during Hajj that there is a huge number of people in Makkah. What about during ramadan? In fact, most times when the government allows umrah visas, there are a lot of people in Makkah. Although I do agree that lines to Arafat and Mina will not be used all year round and will probably be shut down after Hajj but lines to the parking lots can operate more or less all year.

An airport in Makkah is not feasible and will not happen. Jeddah has traditionally been the gateway to Makkah and it can still function as a gateway as long as the airport is taken care of. I agree with you that the Jeddah airport is a joke and Yemeni guy is right that it needs to be expanded and modernized and also perhaps linked to Makkah by rail.

Obviously the weather is hot in Makkah and everything will have to be air-conditioned. I don't see a problem with underground trains as the stations and trains can both be kept cool. As long as they model it after the subways in Hong Kong or Paris (where there is a glass curtain with automatic doors between the trains and the platform) the station and platform will stay cool. If they model it after the subway in New York,which has no curtain, then it'll get very hot.

UofT, do you remember what you read about the mass transit system? Can you find a link? Thanks..

i agree its too crowded

how can subway trains have accidents

Look at the July, London bombings on the subways, the subway accident in Spain, and India. Train derailment, and fume congestion cause death. Plus, you will have thousands of people underground. How on earth could you breath down there? There is just no space. How are you going to dig huge tunnels under makkah with all the buildings there?

From an engineering point of view, it is not a very logical idea. Monorails-cum-train tracks would seem like the best choice.

Look at the July, London bombings on the subways, the subway accident in Spain, and India. Train derailment, and fume congestion cause death. Plus, you will have thousands of people underground. How on earth could you breath down there? There is just no space. How are you going to dig huge tunnels under makkah with all the buildings there?

From an engineering point of view, it is not a very logical idea. Monorails-cum-train tracks would seem like the best choice.

No offense but...hellllooooo Halawala....hiiii...hellllloooooooo..can you hear me from all the way back there in the dark ages? :wave:

I should say Mecca-Medina will need mass-rapid-train. You can rely on Indonesian Umrah visitor with 20.000 per months and it's increasing. They love to see Istanbul, Turkey and go to Egypt. Insya Allah.

Visit the project page...you'll find railway propjects undergo


MECCA + MADINAH l U/C l High Speed Rail Link":http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=710292

MAKKAH l PREPARATION l METRO LINK:http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1351035

MECCA l U/C l Al-Masha'er Metro Project:http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=722754