Khaberni - In an unprecedented qualitative leap in infrastructure and transport services in Jordan, and as part of the effort to achieve the royal vision for economic modernization, the Ministry of Investment has included a huge strategic project within its new investment opportunities, which consists of establishing the "High-Speed Train" to connect the capital Amman with the coastal city of Aqaba.
This project is intended to form the backbone of a sustainable national transportation network, aimed at revolutionizing the concept of mobility between Jordanian cities, and supporting the tourism and commercial sectors with the latest global technologies.
Project details: A sustainable network spanning across provinces
Informed sources indicated that the project is not limited to being a traditional means of transport, but it is planned to be a fully integrated, sustainable transport network. Key features of this project are summarized in the following points:
Connecting major cities: The project aims to implement a high-speed railway line dedicated to passenger transport, starting from the heart of the capital Amman, passing through the southern provinces, and reaching the city of Aqaba.
Supporting tourist destinations: The route is designed to serve the most prominent tourist destinations in Jordan; facilitating tourists’ (both local and foreign) access to Petra, Wadi Rum, and Aqaba in record time, compared with traditional land transport.
Environmental sustainability: The project relies on modern technologies that reduce carbon emissions, in line with Jordan's international commitments to combat climate change.
Official background and recent discussions
To understand the context of this announcement, it is important to note that the national railway project is an integral part of the "economic modernization vision" launched by the government, which placed the transport and logistics sector among the main drivers of growth.
According to recent official documents and statements, the following developments related to this project can be observed:
"Invest in Jordan" platform: The Ministry of Investment recently listed the "National Railway Network" as one of the most important public-private partnership (PPP) projects. Preliminary studies discussed in economic circles estimated the total investment required for the entire network (freight and passengers) at approximately 2.3 billion Jordanian dinars.
Signing a memorandum of understanding with the UAE: In late 2023 and early 2024, Jordan witnessed significant progress in this area; an extensive investment agreement was signed with the company "Etihad Rail" from the UAE. Although the initial focus of that agreement was on the (mining) line to connect phosphate and potash mines to the port of Aqaba, government statements at the time confirmed that this line forms "the initial nucleus" for the comprehensive national rail project that will later include passenger transport.
Studies by the European Investment Bank: Previous reports funded by the European Investment Bank pointed to the high economic feasibility of connecting Amman to Aqaba, especially with the increasing operating costs of land transport and rising fuel prices, making the high-speed train option a pressing necessity for the future.
Economic impact: More than just transport
Experts view the Ministry of Investment's announcement of the Amman-Aqaba passenger line as a comprehensive developmental driver, as it is expected to:
Reduce travel time: The high-speed train is expected to cover the distance between Amman and Aqaba (about 330 km) in less than three hours, compared to 4-5 hours by car.
Boosting "the Golden Triangle": The project will enhance the attractiveness of Petra and Wadi Rum for "day trips" for those arriving in Aqaba or residing in Amman.
Creating job opportunities: The project will provide thousands of job opportunities during the construction phase, and hundreds of sustainable technical and administrative opportunities during the operational phase.
The unveiling of this project rekindles hope in achieving the dream of the "National Railway" that has haunted Jordanians for decades, turning it into a tangible reality that enhances the Kingdom's position on the regional investment and tourism map.
