3D graphic of the Jamarat Bridge
The state-of-the-art Jamarat Bridge is designed to accommodate five million pilgrims," said Maj. Gen. Saad Al-Khelaiwi, assistant commander of Hajj Security Forces.
The hi-tech bridge has 10 entrances and 12 exits over its four levels to allow the flow of 300,000 pilgrims per hour.
It is also equipped with state-of-the-art technology to help authorities intervene in case of any deadly stampedes during the stoning ritual.
"We have appointed 19 commanders along the roads to stop pilgrims when the number exceeds 300,000," said Khelaiwi.
Pilgrims will not be allowed to carry large bags during the ritual.
"We’ll also monitor and control the flow of pilgrims."
Nearly three million pilgrims must hurl seven pebbles from behind a fence or from an overhead bridge every day for three days at each of the three 18-meter high concrete pillars on the spot where the devil appeared to Prophet Abraham.
Every able-bodied adult Muslim -- who can financially afford the trip -- must perform hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, once in their lifetime.
The 4.5-billion-riyal Jamarat Bridge project was launched after a series of deadly stampedes during the devil stoning ritual in past years. In the worst hajj tragedy in 16 years, 364 people were killed in a stampede at the entrance of the Jamarat Bridge in 2006.
Redesigning `Arafat
The Saudi government has also launched a 500-million- riyal project to redesign and develop the `Arafat Mount. The project includes building roads, service utilities and tent locations to accommodate the pilgrims. A sewage network would be constructed for rain and floodwater during the hajj season.
The project also includes building more than 200 toilets and a 700-meter-long road for the flow of pilgrims.
Under the project, eight small rocky outcroppings would be levelled to give more space to accommodate 100,000 pilgrims.
The hajj is expected to climax this year on November 26 when the faithful descend the Mount `Arafat where prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) delivered his last sermon 14 centuries ago.
Standing on Mount `Arafat before sunset is the high point of hajj and pilgrims who fail to make it on time must repeat their pilgrimage in future.
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