Makkah: The Roads General Authority (RGA) has launched the "darbak noor" initiative as part of its initiatives for the 1447 AH Hajj season, aimed at enhancing road safety and improving the experience of pilgrims by upgrading the quality of infrastructure on roads leading to the holy sites, in line with the religious and tourism significance of Makkah, and contributing to the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to reach 30 million Umrah performers by 2030.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the initiative relies on advanced lighting systems that add a renewed visual dimension to the driving experience. The RGA indicated that the initiative includes installing 16 laser devices that project multicolored overhead lighting over distances of up to 2 km, in addition to 1,110 solar-powered illuminated road markers (cat's eyes).

These innovative lighting features help enhance driver alertness and reduce visual fatigue, drowsiness, and distraction, particularly during long journeys. The RGA noted that it relied on rigorous technical and operational criteria in selecting the areas for implementing the initiative, to ensure achieving the highest possible impact. In the current phase, the selections were concentrated on the Hijrah Road linking Makkah and Madinah, which experiences heavy traffic during the Hajj season.

The RGA also affirmed that it is piloting the initiative in preparation for expanding it to other roads once its intended objectives are achieved. Moreover, it noted that the initiative represents an advanced step toward creating a different driving experience that enhances the services provided to pilgrims, while contributing to improving the urban and aesthetic landscape at the entrances to Makkah.

The results of this initiative are expected to positively reflect on traffic safety indicators, establishing a sustainable model for employing innovative engineering solutions to serve visitors to the Two Holy Mosques and ensure their safety, the RGA said.