In an interview with Karbala TV, Hajj Hassan Rasheed Jawad Al-Abayechi, Secretary-General of the Imam Hussain Holy Shrine, detailed the comprehensive preparations undertaken to serve millions of pilgrims arriving in Karbala for the Arbaeen Pilgrimage.

Al-Abayechi stated that a broad and integrated service plan has been put in place, encompassing logistical, medical, transportation, and catering services, along with other essential support. He explained that more than 9,000 tons of cooling have been provided to maintain a constant indoor temperature of 26°C (79°F) inside the Holy Shrine. To help pilgrims cope with the outdoor heat, canopies covering an area of 135,000 square meters have been installed, along with over 420 misting fans covering 160,000 square meters outside the shrine.

He further noted the establishment of 35 service tents in the Al-Ta’leeb area in the center of Karbala, each measuring 1,000 square meters. These tents collectively accommodate over 17,000 pilgrims and have been fully equipped to provide a safe and comfortable resting environment during the pilgrimage days.

Al-Abayechi highlighted that 3,300 air coolers have been distributed, covering an estimated 500,000 square meters outside the shrine. In addition, self-propelled fog cannons have been deployed to cover 52,000 square meters, effectively reducing the outdoor temperature by up to 8 degrees Celsius during the Ashura pilgrimage.

In the medical field, he stated that 600 doctors will be operating across seven medical centers throughout the city. These medical teams will be supported by 400 field paramedics, each equipped with complete first aid kits, enabling them to reach patients and provide emergency care within minutes.

On transportation and logistics, Al-Abayechi reported that 99 Toyota Coaster buses and 70 large coach buses will be operating to transport pilgrims. Supporting services include 11 garbage trucks, 4 water tanker trucks, 40 cargo vehicles, 13 ambulances, and 18 refrigerated trucks, all allocated to meet the growing needs of the pilgrimage.

Regarding catering services, he explained that the Holy Shrine has designated eight food distribution centers, six located near the shrine and two stationed at the Shalamcheh and Mehran border crossings. Each center provides three meals a day, with the capacity to meet the needs of an estimated six million pilgrims.

In his concluding remarks, Al-Abayechi called on pilgrims to adhere to the guidance of the Supreme Religious Authority in Najaf, particularly regarding the avoidance of displaying the Authority’s photos in processions and public areas. He also urged visitors to respect public property and comply with the instructions issued by the General Secretariat of the Holy Shrine, especially those related to electricity use and the necessity of obtaining official approvals from relevant authorities.