MECCA, Saudi Arabia, Nov. 14 (UPI) -- Officials in Saudi Arabia say a newly opened light-rail system will help ferry the throngs of Muslim pilgrims making the annual hajj, which began Sunday.
About 3 1/2 million people are expected to make the trek from Mecca to Mount Arafat, and many of them will be able to make part of the trip by train.
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The new elevated line connects Mecca with the valleys of Mina and Muzdalifa, which lie along the traditional route to Mount Arafat.
The line is open but construction continues and service is restricted, Geo News in Pakistan reported. Once completed, the light-rail line will be able to carry about 500,000 people every 6 hours.
