An underground tunnel connecting Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah will be constructed soon for the passage of ambulance vans as well as supply, service and cleaning vehicles, Makkah Mayor Dr. Osama Al-Bar said yesterday.
“Experts at Makkah and Holy Sites Development Authority are giving final touches to the project to implement it within a few months,” he said.
He pointed out that the Jamrat station of Mashair Railway would be part of the Makkah Metro network, adding that the SR 62 billion metro project would be implemented in the beginning of next year.
Al-Bar said that the metro network would cover 182 km when the four lines are completed in 10 years. The first stage is due to be ready in three years and will cover 122 km, he said.
Speaking about the tunnel project, he said that it is part of a plan for the comprehensive development of the holy sites. Higher authorities have already approved the tunnel project, adding that it would facilitate quick movement of service vehicles without any obstructions.
He said the cleaners and environment health protection teams would remain in Mina for the next two days. “The presence of a large number of undocumented pilgrims, squatting in public places, had a negative impact on our services,” the mayor said.
Underground tunnel to link holy sites, ease movement
