The Council of Ministers has approved a 62-billion-riyal plan to modernize the transport system in Makkah, including building a bus network and metro system, Culture and Information Minister Abdul Aziz Khoja announced. Four metro lines of a total length of 182 km will be built across the city, with 88 stations, he said.
The project will be implemented over 10 years in three phases, the minister said after the Cabinet meeting, which was chaired by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah.
The first phase will be completed in three years. It is expected to cost SR 25.5 billion. The second phase, to be implemented within five years, would cost SR 19 billion. The final phase will take two more years at an estimated cost of 17.5 billion.
Makkah Mayor Dr. Osama Al-Bar said last year the government would build new roads and footbridges near the Grand Mosque within six years. Other long-term projects around the mosque include building hotels, malls and cafes.
The Cabinet also appreciated the royal decree approving the 30-year strategic plan for the development of Makkah and the holy sites of Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifa, and implementation of Makkah’s public transport system.
Speaking about the bus transport project, Khoja said it would be linked with the rail network and includes highway bus networks with a total length of 60 km, and 60 stations.
It includes local bus networks with lengths of 65 km and 87 stations, in addition to a support bus network for train and bus stations.
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Green light for SR 62 bn Makkah transport revamp
