Work yesterday began on the expansion of the Jamrat Bridge where Muslims perform one of the main Hajj rituals, the stoning ritual. The project involves demolition of parts of the existing bridge to provide space for a new, larger structure which will facilitate the movement of pilgrims.
According to Dr Habib Zain Al-Abideen, Deputy Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs, SR100 million has been earmarked for the project.
The Jamrat area, on Mina plain, is where Muslims conduct the ritual of stoning the devil during the annual pilgrimage.
The project will expand the three Jamrat basins where stones thrown by pilgrims should fall, and the bridge leading to the site. Posts and concrete barriers will provide greater safety to pilgrims, according to a report in Okaz newspaper. The Jamrat basin will be expanded from its current circular shape to an oval shape, which will enable better access for completing the stone-throwing ritual. Pilgrims currently approach and depart the site by the same route.
The new structure will have an electronic system to direct and control the movement of pilgrims over the bridge. There will also be a warning system for pilgrims in tents across the plain if crowds at the site or on the access roads reach critical levels. There will be emergency exits and parking areas for ambulances.
The company undertaking the project will train employees for operation and maintenance of the control and guidance systems and in directing movement under the bridge.
Zain Al-Abideen said that the project would be completed on schedule two months before the start of Hajj in mid-January next year. He said that further development of the site would be carried out if necessary.
Source: SPA
