2.2 Million Pilgrims Transported by Al Mashaaer Al Mugaddassah Metro Line

2.2 Million Pilgrims Transported by Al Mashaaer Al Mugaddassah Metro Line
TT

2.2 Million Pilgrims Transported by Al Mashaaer Al Mugaddassah Metro Line

2.2 Million Pilgrims Transported by Al Mashaaer Al Mugaddassah Metro Line

Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) announced the successful operation of Al Mashaaer Al Mugaddassah Metro Line during this year's Hajj season, with the train transporting over 2.2 million pilgrims on 2,206 trips across the nine stations in Arafat, Muzdalifah, and Mina.
The train operated for seven days, starting on the seventh of Dhu al-Hijjah and continuing until the end of the Days of Tashreeq. Over 29,000 pilgrims were transported on the first day, SPA reported.

The movement from Mina to Arafat saw the highest volume with over 292,000 pilgrims ferried by the train. It then facilitated the movement of over 305,000 pilgrims from Arafat to Muzdalifah, followed by over 383,000 on their return journey from Muzdalifah back to Mina.
During the Days of Tashreeq, the Al Mashaaer Al Mugaddassah Metro Line played a vital role in transporting over 1.2 million pilgrims from Mina stations (1, 2 & Muzdalifah 3) to Mina 3 station (Jamarat), facilitating their easy access to the Jamarat Bridge.
The CEO of SAR, Dr. Bashar bin Khalid Al-Malik, attributed the success of the operation to the unwavering support from the Saudi leadership. The support, he highlighted, was instrumental in SAR's ability to serve pilgrims effectively through both Al Mashaaer Al Mugaddassah Metro Line and the Haramain High-Speed Railway.



Passenger Forced to Run Along London Platform with Hand Trapped in Doors of Moving Train

A train on the Elizabeth line, which opened in May 2022. Photograph: Philip Toscano/PA
A train on the Elizabeth line, which opened in May 2022. Photograph: Philip Toscano/PA
TT

Passenger Forced to Run Along London Platform with Hand Trapped in Doors of Moving Train

A train on the Elizabeth line, which opened in May 2022. Photograph: Philip Toscano/PA
A train on the Elizabeth line, which opened in May 2022. Photograph: Philip Toscano/PA

An investigation has been launched after a rail passenger was forced to run several metres along the platform with his hand trapped inside the doors of a moving train in west London.

The passenger, who was trying to board an Elizabeth line service just after midnight, had his hand caught in the door as it began to depart, the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) said on 24 December, The Guardian reported.

He was then forced to run alongside the moving train for several metres until a member of railway staff who was working on the platform at Ealing Broadway station pulled him away.

Nearby passengers alerted the driver and the train stopped after moving about 17 metres. The passenger is reported to have sustained minor injuries, the RAIB confirmed.

The “trap and drag” incident, which took place on 24 November at about 12.07am, is the latest case of a rail passenger having to run alongside trains with their hand or arm trapped in doors at stations. Previous incidents took place at Enfield Town, north London, in July; Seven Sisters, north London, in June 2022; Bushey, Hertfordshire, in March 2018; and Newcastle Central in 2013.

The RAIB investigation will consider factors such as if anything influenced the actions of those involved, and how risks associated with passengers boarding and alighting Elizabeth line trains are managed. It will publish its findings, including any recommendations to improve safety.

Elizabeth line services are operated by MTR Elizabeth line under a concession from Transport for London.

A TfL spokesperson said: “We’re sorry that our customer experienced this distressing incident. Safety is our top priority and our operator, MTR Elizabeth line, is currently carrying out a thorough investigation.

“We will always strive to learn from incidents and improve operational safety. MTR Elizabeth line is fully co-operating with the RAIB to establish the root cause of this incident to determine what steps they can take to avoid any further events of this nature and to share learnings with the industry.

“While serious injuries on our network are rare, we are undertaking a huge range of work aimed at eradicating such incidents and making travelling even safer for everyone.”