Indian pilgrims performing Hajj now have access to the Haramain High-Speed Train, offering a quicker and more comfortable journey from Jeddah Airport to Makkah. This significant upgrade from traditional bus transportation has been enabled by the collaboration between the Consulate General of India in Jeddah and Saudi authorities. The high-speed train service, with speeds of up to 300 km/h, significantly cuts travel time in half, providing a more efficient and pleasant pilgrimage experience.
The Vande Bharat Express, India’s latest high-speed train, has garnered mixed reviews from passengers. While some have praised its speed and amenities, others have criticized its inadequate window shields and average food quality. A recent Twitter thread by a Kolkata-based traveler (@epicnephrin_e) sparked a discussion about the train’s shortcomings. She complained about having to shield her face throughout the trip due to the lack of proper window shades and the mediocre quality of food, though she did appreciate the automatic doors, immaculate washrooms, and braille translations. Her tweet went viral, attracting over 1.3 million views and 335 comments, with netizens sharing their own negative experiences. Issues raised included narrow luggage shelves, pathetic food, malfunctioning AC, and uncomfortable middle seats.
Spain and Morocco are considering building a high-speed train link across the Strait of Gibraltar, which could drastically reduce travel times between the two countries. The project, which has been discussed since 1979, would involve building a 27.6-kilometer tunnel between Punta Paloma in Spain and Punta Malabata in Morocco. The tunnel would be deep as 300 meters and is expected to cost billions of euros. A high-speed train connection between Spain and Morocco would provide a quicker, more comfortable, and potentially cheaper alternative to current methods of travel, which mainly consists of ferry services and flights.
