Chinese light rail servicing hajj

China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) has started to provide transportation services for pilgrims from all over the world for this year's hajj in Mecca, Saudi Arabia on Monday following a new contract with the Saudi government, reports Xinhua.com.

Picture of the locals thumb up for the railway built in Mecca. [Photo:VCG]

This year's annual pilgrimage to the Muslim world's most holy site, the hajj, runs from August 19 to August 23.

CRCC anticipates its trains in Saudi Arabia will carry some 2.5 million people during the 5 days.

The Chinese train maker first began running the 18 kilometer long line in 2010. It runs from Mecca's airport to a location near the site of the Kabba, which is where pilgrims gather to throw stones in a ritual cleansing of their spirits.

CRCC has signed a new operating license worth 93 million US dollars with Saudi Authorities this year to maintain the service.