The company starts testing Mecca Light Rail for upcoming Hajj pilgrimage

On the morning of June 6, trains of the Mecca Light Rail ran out of the garage slowly one after another, marking the formal start of the testing of the Mecca Light Rail in preparation for Hajj pilgrimage. The China Railway Construction Corporation (International) Limited operated the light rail for Hajj pilgrimage again.

China Railway Construction Corporation Limited (CRCC) was in charge of the construction of the Mecca Light Rail, which was completed within 16 months and opened to traffic on November 13, 2010. From 2010 to 2014, China Railway Construction Corporation (International) Limited completed the operation and maintenance task of transporting tens of millions of pilgrims successfully for five consecutive years, winning high praise and appreciation from Saudi Arabia and Muslims all over the world.

In 2018, invited by Saudi Arabia, the company returned to the Mecca Light Rail project and completed the operation for Hajj pilgrimage of the year successfully. Through this project, the company fulfilled its commitment to the Saudi Arabia’s owner, activated railway operation business, expanded overseas railway operation markets and gave an impetus to the development of the whole industry chain.

Due to the successful operation last year, the Saudi Railways Company (SAR) actively contacted China Railway Construction Corporation (International) Limited and signed the operation and maintenance contract of the Mecca Light Rail for Hajj pilgrimage as well as the cooperation framework agreement for operation in the next five years on April 24.

In order to complete the operation of the Mecca Light Rail for Hajj pilgrimage, the company immediately set up professional project teams, introduced new professionals, strengthened fine management, completed inspection and maintenance, testing planning and comprehensive arrangements, and improved logistics support, getting ready for the testing in a short period of time.

During the testing, the project management team tested and checked various system problems in an all-round way for timely troubleshooting, and made arrangements and drills in advance according to historical experience in response to emergencies and extreme weather. Meanwhile, it further improved the level of light rail drivers, dispatchers and station service staff, and maintenance staff, and strengthened the tacit cooperation of various professionals, with the aim to ensure the success of the operation of the Mecca Light Rail for Hajj pilgrimage in 2019.