The level of implementation of Jordan’s “national railway project” in its first phase, which includes technical, financial and economic studies, has reached about 95%, according to data from the Ministry of Transportation in Amman. The first phase of the project includes the line connecting the seaports in Aqaba with the proposed mainland port of construction in al-Maduna, southeast of Amman. This line will pass through the city of Ma’an.
The Jordanian Ministry of Transportation said that work is currently underway to complete the purchase of land for the project. The intention is that the project will be promoted in collaboration with the private sector.
Regarding the significant barriers facing the project, the ministry explained that all banks and development funds require the taking of government guarantees, however the Public Debt Act prohibits the provision of such guarantees. In addition, the political conditions in neighboring countries are expected to slow down the implementation of the project.
The project to establish the Jordanian national railway network is intended to transport goods at a maximum speed of 120 km / h, in accordance with international specifications, with the planned network length being approximately 1000 km. The project is considered one of the kingdom’s strategic projects, and one that will directly affect the growth of the national economy, as it will ensure regional connectivity with the railway networks in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and in Syria.