15 ERL Staff Successfully Support Makkah Metro Operations During 2026 Haj Season

KUALA LUMPUR, June 24 (Bernama) -- Fifteen employees of Express Rail Link Sdn Bhd (ERL) and its subsidiary ERL Maintenance Support Sdn Bhd (E-MAS) have successfully completed their assignment in Saudi Arabia to support the Makkah Metro operations during the 2026 haj season.

In a statement, ERL said the assignment marked its 14th year of providing operational support to the Al Mashaaer Al Mugaddassah Metro, better known as the Makkah Metro, in collaboration with China Railway Construction Corporation Limited (CRCC) Saudi, since 2012.

ERL chief executive officer Datin Noormah Mohd Noor was quoted as saying that the successful completion of the assignment reflected ERL’s operational expertise and commitment to delivering world-class rail services beyond Malaysia’s borders, particularly in supporting the safe and efficient movement of millions of pilgrims during the haj period.

“We are honoured to have once again earned the trust of CRCC Saudi, having been awarded a five-year contract to support the Makkah Metro operations until 2030. The successful completion of this year’s assignment reinforces ERL’s reputation for operational excellence and reliability on the international stage.

“Despite the demanding operational environment and stringent safety requirements, our staff demonstrated exceptional professionalism, dedication and competence throughout their tenure. Their contribution helped ensure smooth operations and maintained the high standards expected of ERL personnel,” she said.

Under the contract, ERL and E-MAS personnel served in various operational roles, including deputy station manager, station master, assistant station master and station control room agent, for up to two months.

ERL said more than 7,000 personnel are required annually to operate the rail system and manage its nine stations during the haj season, covering station management, platform and waiting area operations, the Operations Control Centre and train services.

The 18-kilometre Makkah Metro connects the holy sites of Arafat, Muzdalifah and Mina.

Operating exclusively for seven days during the haj period, the railway plays a critical role in transporting millions of pilgrims between the sacred sites during the peak pilgrimage week.

The 15 employees were welcomed home at KLIA Terminal 1 earlier this month in a small celebration attended by ERL and E-MAS management as well as their family members.

-- BERNAMA