Crowd Management in Hajj: A Proposed Modern Walkway System

Abstract

This study endeavors to assess the design, impact and operational effectiveness of a large-scale moving walkway system in the holy zones of Arafah, Muzdalifah and Mina. This study was precipitated by a real-world problem involving over two million Hajj pilgrims and their movement over a short period of time through Nafrah. With a background covering crowd incidents in history, inadequate travel/transportation options in modern times and the sacred nature of walking as part of the pilgrimage, this transforming obstacle as a part of the sacred journey can be adapted to a modernized approach without disrespecting the spiritual atmosphere. By means of literature review, crowd-engineering fundamentals, historical context of the evolution of transportation concepts and simulation modeling with AnyLogic, performance measures such as density, speed, capacity, safety limits and emergency operations’ practicality were assessed. Research results indicated that a dual lane moving walkway at operational speeds could maintain safe densities while reducing travel time and increasing levels of service for the entire pilgrimage population. Ultimately, this research will support Saudi Vision 2030 intentions and provides an engineering, economic and managerial perspective for a similar project on this scale in the future regardless of purpose/reason.