Okaz/Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — The arrival and departure lounges at the Jeddah station for the Haramain high speed train have been completed, according to Saudi Railways Organization CEO Muhammad Al-Suwaikit. "The second phase of the Haramain High Speed Rail project will be complete by the end of 2016. We have so far built the arrival and departure lounges and the shopping area which has famous international brands," said Al-Suwaikit. There is also a VIP lounge for first class passengers, he added. "The station will have around 70 escalators, each 23 meters long. The escalators will be the longest in the Middle East. The station will also be fully equipped with all required services. The Civil Defense will have an office at the station and there will be a parking lot with a capacity for 6,000 vehicles," said Al-Suwaikit. The station will also have parking for buses and taxis, he added. "The municipality is also working on constructing a promenade for pedestrians. The total area of the station is 461,000 sq. meters. The station is also fully equipped with surveillance cameras and plasma screens," said Al-Suwaikit. "We have also allocated a budget for the design and aesthetic appeal of the station. The station will have chandeliers reflecting the theme of the station and matching the design of the trains, offices and stores," said Al-Suwaikit. He also said the station was designed to be as eco-friendly as possible using eco-friendly material. The station will have a glass ceiling to allow the sunlight to illuminate it during the day. Five stations have been planned for the Haramain train. They are: Madinah at the north end of the line, King Abdullah Economic City in Rabigh, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Jeddah city center, and Makkah in the south. The Makkah Central Station is located near the 3rd Ring Road. The Jeddah Central Station is located on the Haramain Road. The railway alignment route will be on the median of the Haramain road. The station at KAIA will be a terminus station. Madinah will have only one passenger station. A station may be required for the Haj Terminal at Jeddah Airport.
