Syria's Transport Ministry Launches Laser-Based Road Assessment Ahead of Nationwide Rehabilitation

Syria's Ministry of Transport has launched a road assessment initiative in partnership with the Combined Group Contracting Company (CGC) of Kuwait, deploying advanced laser technology to evaluate the condition of the country's road network as a precursor to comprehensive maintenance and rehabilitation works.

Survey operations commenced on the international highway linking Damascus to the Nasib border crossing in both directions, using the ROMDAS LCMS system, which combines laser sensors and high-resolution cameras to generate three-dimensional models of road surfaces, enabling precise identification of structural defects.

A Technical Grant and an Imminent Report

Ahmed Abdul Rahman al-Maarouf, the company's Deputy Chief Executive Officer, stated that the device was provided to the ministry as a grant to conduct a thorough technical assessment under the supervision of a specialized team, in preparation for transitioning to maintenance and rehabilitation phases in accordance with approved engineering standards. He confirmed that fieldwork has been completed and that the final report will be delivered within three to four weeks to inform the necessary follow-up measures.

Millimeter Precision and Artificial Intelligence

Technical Director Ibrahim Assi noted that the system produces highly accurate 3D surface models and supports the preparation of precise bills of quantities for maintenance works. The device captures imagery at a resolution of 1 to 2.5 millimeters per pixel, complemented by 360-degree video footage to detect a full range of surface defects. The collected data will subsequently be processed in cooperation with the Arab Center for Studies to produce detailed technical reports.

Technical inspection expert Somar al-Atrash added that the system scans a road width of up to four meters with granular image capture, allowing data analysis through artificial intelligence tools and the generation of detailed maintenance diagrams and quantity schedules. The next phase will incorporate periodic core sampling every kilometer to validate results and underpin an integrated rehabilitation plan.

Scaling the Model to All Governorates

Al-Maarouf confirmed that the methodology will subsequently be extended to roads across other governorates, within a development framework aligned with European and Kuwaiti engineering standards to ensure the long-term sustainability of Syria's road infrastructure.

Nasib-Bab al-Hawa Corridor Under Assessment

In a related development, Transport Minister Yarub Badr announced on Wednesday, 15 April 2026, that a comprehensive technical assessment is underway for the road connecting the Nasib crossing on the Jordanian border to the Bab al-Hawa crossing on the Turkish border. The assessment aims to produce a precise engineering diagnosis of the corridor in preparation for a full rehabilitation project that would bring it up to international standards, commensurate with anticipated transit traffic volumes.

Minister Badr confirmed that the ministry has begun implementing the memorandum of understanding signed on 7 April 2026 with Jordan and Turkey in Amman, as an outcome of the trilateral transport ministers' meeting, which produced an executive roadmap to strengthen regional connectivity and support trade and transport flows among the three countries.

A Regional Rail Connectivity Map

The minister also revealed that the ministry is preparing a comprehensive regional rail connectivity map linking Turkey, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, incorporating a detailed assessment of existing rail sections and proposals for future projects to revive this vital corridor. The initiative aims to reinforce Syria's role as a pivotal transit hub within the regional transport network, extending connectivity toward the Gulf states.

Syria's Road Network: A Sector in Need

Syria's road network has suffered severe deterioration as a result of years of conflict and the prolonged absence of routine maintenance. Most provincial roads are marked by potholes and cracks that impede traffic flow and cause frequent accidents, underscoring the urgency of systematic and large-scale repair operations.