Hijjah 12, 1431, Nov 18, 2010, SPA -- The operation this Hajj of the Mashair (Holy Sites) Train, has reduced the traffic on the roads by a staggering 3,000 buses, according to Abdul Gadier Al-Jabarti, head of the Hajj Committee at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI). Al-Jabarti said the 'Mashair' Train was already effectively tackling “unbearable” traffic jams at the holy sites. When it is completed next year, the project will reduce the traffic by 30,000 buses, according to a report of the Arabic Newspaper "OKAZ" which is published today by Saudi Gazette. The SR6.5-billion train project is only operating at 35 percent capacity at the moment. When completed it will be able to transport 70,000 pilgrims an hour. It will eventually be linked to Makkah, Saudi Gazette quoted the report as saying. --MORE
