Fine tuning preparations underway ahead of Haj

Riyadh: Massive preparation and fine tuning of new systems are underway in the Holy City of Makkah ahead of the pilgrimage next week.

This year only 300,000 Haj pilgrims an hour will be allowed on the Jamarat Bridge this year, according to Maj. Gen. Saad Al Khelaiwi, Assistant Commander of Haj Security Forces for Pedestrian Management and Organization.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday he said this year Al Rabita Street has been linked with the second tier of the Jamarat Bridge to reduce pressure on King Khaled tunnel and bridge.

He said the pedestrian management plan has made some changes this year regarding the 12th of Dhul Hijjah for pilgrims who have completed stoning of the Jamarat and were moving toward the Central Zone or their residences in Makkah.

There are now three routes available to pilgrims upon completion of the stoning.

60 per cent will be moved along Al Shisha, Al Haj and Prince Majid roads, while 20 per cent will have access to a shaded pedestrian road and another 20 per cent will use the Siddiqi road.

10,000 security personel will be tasked with controlling pedestrian traffic.

A fingerprint system has been put in place as well to prevent pilgrims carrying fake permits and illegal aliens from entering the Holy Mosque premises.