Türkiye, Syria, and Jordan Revive Historic Hejaz Railway for Regional Trade
In a significant step towards regional connectivity, Türkiye, Syria, and Jordan have agreed to revive parts of the historic Hejaz Railway. The project, dormant for decades, aims to restore economic ties and create new trade routes.
The Hejaz Railway, constructed over a century ago, once connected Damascus to Medina, carrying pilgrims, soldiers, and traders across deserts. Now, the three nations aim to restore the Syria-Jordan-Türkiye stretch, unlocking trade corridors from Istanbul to the Red Sea and onwards to Saudi Arabia and Africa.
Türkiye will rebuild a 30-kilometre stretch of missing track in Syria, while Jordan assesses technical capacity for locomotive maintenance and operation. For Syria, the revival could mean new commerce opportunities, and for Türkiye, it strengthens supply chains and reinforces its role as a regional connector. Once completed, the railway will serve as a journey into history, a bridge between nations, and a symbol of peace and prosperity.
The revival of the Hejaz Railway is more than just a restoration project. It is a step towards rebuilding economic ties, creating new trade routes, and reclaiming a shared heritage among the involved countries. While the focus is on the Syria-Jordan-Türkiye news, the railway's potential to reach Mecca again remains unclear.
