Turkiye, Jordan and Syria put rail links back on agenda

Turkiye Jordan Syria rail links are central to a new memorandum signed in Amman. The deal aims to improve regional connectivity and expand trade along a north–south corridor.

Rail plays a central role in that plan. Uraloğlu said the deal is intended to make fuller use of the Turkiye–Syria–Jordan axis. It is also meant to raise exports, transit revenues, and the region’s logistical role.

He said the new three-country mechanism is expected to remove obstacles for transport operators. Also, it is meant to create more room for rail transport. It should also support the revitalization of ports. At the same time, the ministers discussed cutting transit fees and other extra charges. That was meant to ease cross-border flows. In that framework, rail, ports, and transit costs are part of the same corridor.

Don’t miss…MnDOT awards $4.5M for five Minnesota freight-rail projects

Turkiye Jordan Syria rail links and the Hejaz Railway

A major part of the talks focused on the possible return of the Hejaz Railway. The historic route was inaugurated in 1908. It linked Istanbul with Damascus. It then continued toward the Arabian Peninsula. Uraloğlu pointed to the symbolic importance of bringing the line back into operation. He also said the three countries need new rail links. Those links, he said, should meet current standards.

Regional media have described the initiative as part of a broader effort. It would “activate” a corridor stretching from the Mediterranean to the Red Sea. From there, the route would continue to Europe and Central Asia. Separately, media outlets close to the Syrian side said implementation is due to start immediately. They also said it is planned over three years. In addition, regular progress reviews are expected, according to Railway Pro.

A north–south logistics corridor from the Mediterranean to Aqaba

The railway component is being considered alongside port infrastructure as part of one logistics system. According to the Turkish minister, Turkish and Syrian Mediterranean ports should form the same network. Also, Jordan’s Red Sea access through Aqaba would be part of that system. In that framework, Aqaba could serve as a land-sea bridge for cargo from the north. It could then move farther south.

In addition, this concept is tied directly to Asia–Europe traffic. Part of the corridor’s potential lies in cargo flows already reaching the eastern Mediterranean. From there, goods could be redistributed faster through ports, railways, and roads.

Saudi Arabia as the next step

Uraloğlu also said technical delegations are expected to visit Saudi Arabia next week. The visit is part of wider plans to extend connectivity across the Arabian Peninsula. It is also meant to connect this axis with Central Asia and Europe. Meanwhile, Jordanian officials emphasized the need for clear implementation mechanisms for joint projects. They also called for smoother exchange of expertise between the three countries.

For the rail sector, the stakes are clear. If the memorandum leads to concrete projects, the region may secure a new freight corridor. That corridor could be of strategic importance. It would come as countries in the area rebuild and reposition their logistics networks.

News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed: