Final preparations are underway in Saudi Arabia before the official launch of the Haramain high-speed train line, which is designed to transport up to 60 million passengers a year.

According to an Arab News report, the Haramain Express, passing via Jeddah and King Abdullah Economic City, is around 450km in length. It is expected to be fully operational in the first quarter of 2018.

During its test drive, the train first ran from Jeddah to King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) station in Rabigh.

The train's travel time between Jeddah and Makkah will be around 21 minutes. It will take less than two-and-a-half hours to travel between Makkah and Madinah, the report added.

Source: Khaleej Times