On Friday, Pakistan’s religious affairs ministry announced a comprehensive transportation plan for pilgrims in Mecca, hiring 300 luxury buses to ensure smooth and comfortable travel.
During the Hajj season, pilgrims from across the globe stay in various neighborhoods in Mecca. Governments and private tour operators arrange accommodations and provide transportation to facilitate easy commuting to and from the Grand Mosque.
This arrangement is crucial given the large number of people and logistical challenges in the city.
Read more: 476 Pakistani Hajj Assistants Arrive In Saudi Arabia To Aid Pilgrims
In addition, public transportation options like taxis can become more expensive in Mecca due to high demand during Hajj. Providing buses and dedicated transport services helps mitigate these costs, making the pilgrimage more affordable and manageable.
The ministry stated, “The government has hired 300 luxury buses to transport pilgrims from their residences directly to the Haram [Grand Mosque] in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. The bus service is available around the clock, allowing pilgrims to travel at their convenience.”
Bus stops have been constructed at four entry points around the mosque to ensure efficient and organized transportation, minimizing congestion.
The government has also assigned guides to assist pilgrims, helping them navigate their routes and reach their destinations smoothly.
The ministry’s goal is to implement a hassle-free transportation plan, allowing pilgrims to focus on their worship.
To date, over 42,000 Pakistani pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia for Hajj. Pakistan’s Hajj quota is 179,210 pilgrims, with about 70,000 participating under the government scheme and the remainder through private tour operators.
