The oil-rich desert kingdom is to carry out a feasibility study into the proposed network of five lines linking Muzdalifah, Mina and Arafat, the English-language Arab News reported.

Nearly 2.4 million people flock to the holy sites during the hajj, posing huge logistical and safety problems.

Pilgrims travel to Muzdalifah to collect stones that are used in Mina as part of a ritual stoning of the devil.

The hajj culminates on the holy mount of Arafat, where Prophet Mohammed (PBUH)delivered his final sermon 14 centuries ago in an event which symbolises the Last Judgement.

This year's pilgrimage begins later this month and is expected to culminate on Dec 19 or 20.

The hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam which all able-bodied Muslims must undertake once in a lifetime if they have the means.

Agencies