ANKARA, October 2025 — The revival of the historic Hejaz Railway is gathering momentum as Turkey, Syria, and Jordan commit to a major infrastructure initiative aimed at enhancing regional connectivity. The project highlights a renewed focus on cross-border rail links in the Middle East, signaling a potential boost for trade and cooperation across the region.

Following a meeting of transport officials from the three nations, Turkey has pledged to assist in reconstructing approximately 30 kilometers of the Hejaz Railway in Syria a section heavily damaged during the civil war. This reconstruction represents a critical step toward restoring the once-iconic rail line that historically connected Damascus to Medina. Jordan has also expressed readiness to provide technical support for locomotive maintenance and operations in Syria.

The successful completion of this project is expected to increase both freight and passenger movement between the participating countries, stimulate economic recovery particularly in Syria and foster deeper regional integration through the re-establishment of a key overland transport corridor. Additionally, the revived line could strengthen regional logistics by linking the network with strategic trade hubs, including access to the Red Sea through Jordan.

This collaborative effort aligns with a global trend of investing in rail infrastructure as a foundation for sustainable economic growth and regional cooperation. The revitalization of the Hejaz Railway stands as a symbol of renewed unity and shared progress in the Middle East, potentially reshaping the region’s transport and trade landscape.

Source: Railway Gazette International