Dhubyani and Sami Al-Maghamsy MAKKAH — The Makkah Municipality has started implementing its transport plan to ensure smooth flow of pilgrims and visitors during the holy month of Ramadan, which marks the peak annual Umrah season. Thanks to security and traffic plans no untoward incident was reported on the first Friday of Ramadan, said Grand Mosque Security Special Force head Maj. Gen. Mohammad Al-Ahmadi. "The Special Force Directorate implemented its security plan which ensured that worshippers and pilgrims are sent to various floors to avoid crowding," he said. Makkah Traffic Department Supervisor Maj. Gen. Abdullah Al-Zahrani said the department has a security plan to ensure that the roads around the Grand Mosque are safe for pilgrims and pedestrians. "There are 3,500 people involved in the implementation of the security plan. Some 170 of the 3,500 people are police officers. They are dispersed and placed in various areas of the city. The holy city was divided into two areas: the first central area and the second central areas to facilitate regulating traffic during peak hour," he said. All preparations and arrangements are well in place for the transportation of pilgrims and visitors from public transport bus stations and parking areas to the Haram and vice versa. The parking areas include those in Rusaifa, Al-Shuhada district, Qishla, Aziziyah, and King Abdulaziz Road in Mina, according to sources, the Saudi Press Agency reported. There are five parking areas designated for private vehicles. They are located near Makkah-Jeddah Expressway, Makkah-Madinah Expressway, Makkah-Taif Road, Makkah-Allaith Road, and Makkah-Taif Assail Road. All utility services for men and women have been made available at these bus stations. The services included toilets, rest houses, water pumping stations, central air-conditioning units, and generators. The municipality has constituted a committee to monitor and follow up proper operation and maintenance of these bus stations so as to offer the best possible services to pilgrims and the visitors to the Grand Mosque. The committee comprises officials from the Ministry of Transport, municipality and the traffic department. Osama Al-Bar, mayor of Makkah, said that the municipality is giving top priority to ensure smooth flow of pilgrims and visitors who flock to the holy city from all over the world during the holy month. Meanwhile, several young Saudis are actively involved in implementing a Program titled "Youths of Makkah at your service" at Kudai parking areas near the Haram. Director of the Makkah Youth Program said that members of the team swing into action for field service daily for about six hours starting after Asr prayers until 9.30 p.m. in coordination and cooperation with the Traffic department. The program members also engage in rendering other services such as guiding lost pilgrims and conducting awareness programs.
