Transportation represents the backbone of any growing economy, and in Jordan, a country characterized by a unique geographical composition that extends from the fertile north to the desert south, there is an urgent need to develop an integrated and effective transportation network capable of meeting the requirements of sustainable development. The idea of establishing a massive strategic transport project, such as the tramway metro system that connects northern and central provinces with the south, has long been a dream of economic and social planners. This project is not merely railway lines or bus routes; it is an economic and social lifeline that could reshape the developmental landscape in the kingdom. Feasibility studies of this project, estimating its costs, analyzing its significance, and anticipating its major economic impact reveal the necessity of adopting it as a top national priority.
The utmost importance of the tramway metro project lies in addressing logistic and demographic challenges facing Jordan. Like many countries, Jordan suffers from increasing traffic congestion in major cities, particularly Amman, Irbid, and Aqaba, leading to significant time and energy wastage and increased carbon emissions. The tramway metro provides a radical solution to these problems by offering a fast, safe, and reliable mass transportation system that reduces dependence on private vehicles. Moreover, this project serves as a vital bridge linking remote areas and provinces facing economic marginalization, such as Ma'an and Tafilah, to the main commercial and industrial centers in the north. This geographical and logistic connection ensures more efficient access of the workforce and agricultural and industrial products to the markets.
From an academic perspective, a project of this magnitude requires comprehensive and in-depth studies that go beyond simple technical assessment. The study should include a detailed examination of the proposed routes likely to pass through major cities such as Amman, Zarqa, Irbid, and Salt, and extend southward to serve the ports and industrial areas in Aqaba. This study should determine the engineering feasibility, including the terrain nature, terrain challenges, and infrastructure requirements needed for the tram's passage, especially in densely populated urban areas that may require underground or overhead transport solutions. The study should also focus on operational feasibility, including determining the number of stations, designing the timetable for trips, and determining the electrical energy requirements needed to operate such an extensive network. The success of the project depends on learning from the experiences of other countries, such as modern tramway systems in Europe or light rail networks in some Arab countries, to ensure adaptation to the Jordanian context.
Regarding the cost, estimating the expense for a project of this scale is complex and influenced by the path of the lines, the tram technology used, and the geopolitical and economic conditions at the time of implementation. Global estimates for similar projects indicate that the cost per kilometer of advanced tramway systems ranges from tens to hundreds of millions of dollars.
For a network connecting north to south in Jordan, which may exceed hundreds of kilometers, the initial total project cost, including infrastructure, car purchase, and station development, may range from 5 to 10 billion US dollars, or possibly more depending on the final scope and selected technology. Funding such a project requires a strategic partnership between the Jordanian government and international financing institutions, such as the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and the private sector through concession contracts or public-private partnerships.
The economic impact of this project is the most compelling aspect to justify the massive investment in it. First, the project will create thousands of direct and indirect job opportunities during the construction, operation, and maintenance phases. Second, the tramway metro will significantly reduce transportation costs for businesses and individuals, increasing the competitiveness of Jordanian products. Transporting goods between ports in the south and industrial areas in the north at low cost and high reliability will encourage investment and support the export and logistics services sectors. Third, the project will encourage transit-oriented urban development around stations, leading to the creation of new residential and commercial clusters, and reducing pressure on old city centers. This planned urban expansion enhances land values and opens up real estate investment opportunities.
In addition to the direct economic impact, there are environmental and social benefits that cannot be overlooked. Reducing the number of cars on the roads directly translates to less consumption of fossil fuels and improved air quality in dense cities. Socially, the tramway metro allows students and researchers easy access to universities and training centers across the kingdom, enhancing knowledge exchange and reducing internal migration towards the capital in search of educational and employment opportunities. This equitable distribution of opportunities is the cornerstone of achieving balanced national development.
In conclusion, the project to establish a tramway metro connecting north Jordan to its south represents a massive but strategic investment in the kingdom's future. The high estimated cost must be met with a precise analysis of the costs avoided from congestion and pollution, and more importantly, the huge economic returns that the project will generate by enhancing domestic trade, attracting investment, creating job opportunities, and achieving balanced regional development. Accomplishing this project requires long-term vision, meticulous planning, and strong political will to overcome logistical and financial challenges, making this tramway metro a symbol of true renaissance in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
