As pilgrims started arriving from all over the world for the annual Haj which is due in the first week of November, authorities and agencies concerned are fully geared to extend them the best services.
The authorities are making use of the latest means of technology to streamline the process of receiving and dispatching pilgrims to their residences.
One of such services, introduced for the first time this year, is a digital map service to monitor buses on the Internet and detect technical glitches, breakdowns, and if buses are abiding by the routes assigned to them.
The Cars General Syndicate, which supervises the transportation of pilgrims, is launching the service with the support of Google Earth, said Abdu Bin Ahmad Yamani, assistant head of the syndicate. "This is to keep a check on the performance of 17 transport companies that are providing 19,000 buses during the current Haj season," he said.
Speaking to reporters here on Saturday, Yamani said that the authorities have approved the plan aimed at ensuring smooth and safe transportation of the pilgrims. Through these measures, the Syndicate aims to reduce bus breakdowns and the time required for repairs, besides streamlining the movement of pilgrims between Makkah, Madinah and the holy sites.
The syndicate plans to operate 120,000 trips for pilgrims between the holy sites and Makkah and Madinah during the season. The plan will be put into operation by nearly 30,000 supervisors, members of administrative and technical committees, drivers and maintenance workers.
Referring to the e-services being extended by the syndicate, Yamani said that every pilgrim, on arrival at any of the Kingdom's airports, seaports or border points, will receive a digital smart card with all information of the pilgrim saved on it.
"These cards will enable the officials at the entry points to complete the travel and visa procedures of the pilgrims swiftly," he said.
According to Yamani, the syndicate has readied some 18 full-fledged automobile maintenance centres along the Haj route, such as expressways connecting Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah.
"There are mechanics and substitute drivers at these centres. The syndicate also arranged mobile workshops along the major land routes of pilgrims. Buses having engine problems or break downs will be attended to for repair within 50 minutes," he said.
Meanwhile, the number of pilgrims arrived in Madinah by Friday evening reached 132,000. Of these, 995 pilgrims have left for Makkah after staying about one week in the Prophet's city. Turkish pilgrims top among those arrived in Madinah.
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Autor(en)/Author(s): Abdul Nabi Shaheen
Quelle/Source: gulfnews, 08.10.2011
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