PLANS are under way to build Saudi Arabia’s largest tunnel, linking the holy city of Makkah and the summer resort of Taif, at a cost SR2 billion ($533 million). The 11-km tunnel, which is scheduled for completion in three years, will reduce travel time between the two cities by 20 minutes.

Makkah governor Prince Khaled Al Faisal has approved the establishment of a firm named Al Tareek Investment and Development Company (TIDC) to implement the project with the support of investors.
Thamir Hussein Al Kuthairy, an engineering consultant, said it would be one of the largest of its kind in the world, with two parallel tunnels, each with three lanes – one heading toward Taif and the other for traffic to Makkah. The tunnels will be 8.7 m high with a diameter of 13.5 m.
“The tunnels will be strong enough to be used by heavy-duty vehicles,” he said.
The design will incorporate a central monitoring station room, a high-tech system that will ensure safety, proper ventilation, lighting, fire-fighting facilities and emergency provisions. The tunnels will also be monitored with special cameras for operation and maintenance. At the entrance and exit they will feature cascades as well as lighting.
“A feasibility study on the project has been completed,” said Abdul Rahman Al Quraie, director general of Taif Investment and Tourism Company (TITC), which is one of the founders of the new TIDC, adding that the study would be presented to relevant authorities for approval.
TITC board member Ali bin Haif Al Qahtan described the tunnel as a strategic project that will have a huge economic impact on Saudi Arabia.