A Regional railway project linking Saudi Arabia with Syria, Jordan, Turkey, and Europe

Project Overview

Turkish Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu has announced that Turkey and Saudi Arabia are targeting the establishment of a regional railway line connecting both countries with Syria and Jordan, with completion expected within the next three to four years. The project aims to strengthen commercial transport links between the Gulf region and Europe through an integrated overland corridor. The minister disclosed these details in an interview with Al Jazeera.

Scope of Services and Route

In its first phase, the project will facilitate the transport of goods, oil, natural gas, and passengers between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Jordan, Syria, and Europe. The proposed route builds on Saudi Arabia's existing rail network, extending from the Jordanian border through Jordan and Syria into Turkey and onward to Europe. The minister noted that the line could also serve pilgrims during the Hajj season, and that it would help reduce the impact of navigation disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz on regional trade flows.

Uraloglu confirmed that rail connectivity works between Islahiye, Kilis, and Gaziantep in southeastern Turkey have already been completed, while a gap of approximately 400 kilometers between Syria and Jordan remains to be bridged before the full corridor is operational.

Participating and Prospective Countries

The project's first phase includes Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Jordan, and Syria. The minister indicated that other Gulf states may join in subsequent phases, including:

• United Arab Emirates
• Kuwait
• Qatar
• Sultanate of Oman

Investment and Financing

The minister revealed that the project will operate under a dedicated financing plan, with investments of approximately $100 million allocated to rehabilitating the railway line between Turkey and the city of Aleppo, paving the way for a direct link extending further to Damascus.

Diplomatic Framework

The announcement follows the signing of two memoranda of understanding between Turkey and Saudi Arabia covering logistics and railway cooperation, as part of broader efforts to enhance bilateral trade and transport connectivity.