MAKKAH: The fourth and final phase of the SR4 billion Al-Jamarat expansion project is now in its final stages and several government bodies are working jointly to chart out strategies for a new pilgrim-grouping plans. The Al-Jamarat building project was accompanied by several new projects surrounding the bridge aimed at reorganizing the area and facilitating the process of entering the bridge via six entrances. The goal is to organize the courtyards around the bridge to avoid gatherings and congestions, control on squatting and set routes for pilgrims. The company executing the project has also established service spots for food shops, barbers, toilets, medical and first-aid services and security centers. Additions also include two underground tunnels leading to the bridge. All the Shariah stipulations have been taken into consideration in the execution of the project. A constant increase in the number of pilgrims and the need to avoid congestion was also looked at in the formulation of the project. The bridge, completed before 2010 Haj season, was equipped with helipads for emergencies and an advanced cooling system that sprays cool water over the millions of pilgrims and significantly reduces the temperature. The project also included underground tunnels for cars and six medical evacuation exits, tunnels and helipads. Advanced cameras were installed around the bridge and linked to the Operations Room that supervises the area. The first stage of the development project was inaugurated by King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, in 2006.
